DNP3 is an extremely flexible protocol with multiple layers that is ideal for automatic data transmissions in mission-critical environments. Today, DNP3 is commonly found within supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems commonly used in a wide range of industries including electric power, waste management, traffic control, mass transit, and manufacturing.
The protocol has been modified to address a new generation of technologies and innovations. The proposed ratification from IEEE as P1815 guarantees that DNP3 will continue to be expanded upon.
“DNP3 has proven to be a powerful and effective tool for streamlining and optimizing communications transmissions between central control systems and remote devices, thanks to exceptional, forward-thinking stewardship by the IEC and DNP3 Users Group,” said H. Lee Smith, president of the DNP Users Group, the group that has developed and maintained standards originally developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) into what will become IEEE P1815.
“As we build and expand upon the firm foundation already laid, we expect IEEE P1815 to continue its successful trajectory, finding new and deeper relevance across a host of applications and industries,” continued Smith.
Development and expansion of P1815 will continue as a result of a collaboration between IEEE and the DNP Users Group. IEEE will integrate existing communications architectures as well as emerging ones and will evaluate new features and additions as they are proposed while increasing the interoperability between different types of devices and operational networks.
IEEE will also focus on finalizing security protocols that address cyber security issues and designing new frameworks that would allow P1815 to be easily deployed in a smart grid environment. As the frequency of widely-publicized cyber attacks increase the need to shore up communications security is emphasized. Cutting-edge security will be incorporated within P1815 to address these concerns.
The new IEEE standard is expected to play a significant role in smart grid deployment. The IEEE development team will also focus efforts on developing a flexible and adaptable architecture that will standardize the release of smart grid applications. The developing smart grid depends upon an open but secure architecture that is able to communicate with a variety of protocols and functions including power distribution and transmission, advanced communications, and supporting software.
“IEEE has emerged as the premier global resource for smart grid information and technical expertise, therefore, it is appropriate that it undertakes a leadership role in further adapting the IEEE P1815 standard for smart grid use,” said Judy Gorman, managing director at IEEE’s standards association. “Interoperability and security are critical factors in bringing the smart grid online, and IEEE P1815 will ensure these vital requirements are being met.”
Ratification of the new standard is planned for mid-2010 while IEEE continues to develop the standard until then.