Communication Networks for Interoperability and Reliable Service in Substation Automation System

The IEC 61850 presents the international standard for communication networks and systems in substations. The standard discusses the detail of the requirements and the architecture of substation automation system as well as data type and format. The IEC 61850 will substitute the traditional hardwired analog communication network using upto- date communication protocols for interoperability and reliable service. Basically all IEDs are connected through TCP/UDP and IP over Ethernet based LAN to exchange data. Thanks to the Ethernet frame, we can deploy any type of advanced communication technology for communication in substation. This paper discusses the technical issues associated with the communication networks integration in detail. We consider the possible topologies in Ethernet architecture with the topic in the discussion of the pros and cons of their architecture, and the required functionality of each network elements in detail. Several data types, e.g., GOOSE, time synchronization, and FTP, which uses different protocol stack, are used in substation system with their own delay requirements. Communication profiles for these services are discussed in this paper. We also present the system configuration, requirements, and architecture of the system. We establish a guideline to build a communication networks in substation automation system based on IEC 61850 and presents the ad-hoc based architecture for survivable substation automation system.