Modeling and simulation using network software to evaluate SCADA system configuration

A network software COMNET III can be used to simulate a large varieties of network conditions, that include numerous kinds of network protocols such as ethernet, token ring, frame relay, ATM and so on. As the SCADA system for the energy distribution grid is getting more sophisticated and demanding, there is a need to compare different network topologies such as to find out the most suitable candidate to be applied in the power system communication network under some specified conditions. Appropriate models for SCADA main and second level master station, as well as the remote terminal units (RTUs) are developed. The software gives a wide selection of different kinds of network protocols, which can help investigate which network protocol is best suitable for a particular system. Application software running in the system are modeled by specifying CPU time, message/frame size, disk access time, packet waiting time etc. Different types of system network configuration for various system activities adopting a destined network protocol can be easily investigated and proved. Simulated results focusing on an underlying network configuration provide a valuable source of data to help determine the conforming of an optimized system communication network to be applied in the SCADA system.