Utility communication protocol standardization IEC 870, a migration towards the utility communications architecture?

This paper discusses the need for standardization among electric utility communication protocols, the existing status of standardization efforts and the implications of standardization in the future. It provides an overview into the possibilities regarding standardization from several recognized standards organizations including the EPRI Utility Communication Architecture (UCA) specification along with the IEC 870 transmission protocol. Finally it offers a primer on these standards, the definition of the OSI Protocol Reference Model as well as protocols for those who may not have direct experience with them.<
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