The international IEC 61850 standard defines a framework for substation

communications networks and systems. The standard consists of several parts

ranging from the requirements on substation automation systems to the details of a

communication protocol.

One major difference between the other communication protocols applied in

substation automation and IEC 61850 is that the latter is not only a communication

protocol, but a whole framework for specifying, engineering and operating

substation automation systems. The communication part covers the connection

between the IEDs and the substation clients, for example, SCADA and gateways.

The standard also defines an XML description language for substation automation

systems. The language facilitates efficient integration of devices into systems in an

automated fashion. Additionally the standard supports a comprehensive and

consistent system definition and engineering, which makes not only the devices,

but also their tools and systems interoperable (standard part 6).

The standard uses Ethernet and TCP/IP for communication. Since Ethernet and TCP/

IP are widely accepted and used, the application of these technologies provide a

broad range of features from mainstream communication (standard parts 8-1. 9-2).

However, IEC 61850 is also open for possible new communication concepts in the

future.