A Modular KDN-Based Framework for IT/OT Autonomy in Industrial Systems

Abstract: The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is a critical enabler for achieving autonomous and intelligent industrial systems. However, the increasing complexity, heterogeneity, and real-time demands of industrial environments render traditional rule-based or static management approaches insufficient. In this paper, we present a modular framework based on the Knowledge-Defined Networking (KDN) paradigm, enabling adaptive and autonomous control across IT-OT infrastructures. The proposed architecture is composed of four core modules: Telemetry Collector, Knowledge Builder, Decision Engine, and Control Enforcer. These modules operate in a closed control loop to continuously observe system behavior, extract contextual knowledge, evaluate control actions, and apply policy decisions across programmable industrial endpoints. A graph-based abstraction is used to represent system state, and a utility-optimization mechanism guides control decisions under dynamic conditions. The framework's performance is evaluated using three key metrics: decision latency, control effectiveness, and system stability, demonstrating its capability to enhance resilience, responsiveness, and operational efficiency in smart industrial networks.