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Introduction to IEEE 1815 (DNP3)
The course Introduction to IEEE 1815 (DNP3) is intended to provide an overview of various aspects of the Distributed Network Protocol, also known as DNP3, which is defined in IEEE Standard 1815. DNP3 is the most widely-used SCADA protocol in North American electric utilities. It is used globally in electric power and other geographically-distributed SCADA applications, notably for pipeline operations and in water and wastewater utilities.
The course covers modern utility SCADA concepts and how DNP3 implements them. The design paradigms and architecture of DNP3 are described. Guidelines for configuring DNP3 systems in line with the design concepts are discussed, assisting participants to achieve interoperability when using DNP3 in systems. The course intends to equip attendees with an understanding of the fundamental principles of effective application of DNP3, rather than simply describing a series of rules to follow.
The course addresses the following topics:
- DNP3 philosophy & terminology
- How DNP3 names and identifies components, including elements that newcomers may find confusing
- Fundamentals of DNP3 design and operation
- DNP3 data models
- DNP3 data identification
- General structure and components of DNP3 objects
- Principles of Polling, Report by Exception and Unsolicited Reporting
- Data Classes
- Event handling
- Protocol Layers
- Protocol Subset Levels (sometimes called “Profiles”)
- Guidelines to achieving interoperability
- A foolproof interoperability guideline
- How to avoid the most common configuration errors
Participants are encouraged to bring questions about DNP3 and its usage and to discuss system behaviour that they have observed. These discussions can aid the understanding of how to choose appropriate configuration settings for systems.
The course does not have any prerequisites, but familiarity with SCADA systems and prior experience with DNP3 are advantageous.
The course is specifically targeted at technicians and engineers who are responsible for configuring DNP3 devices and systems and managers responsible for these staff.
The following course IEEE 1815 (DNP3) Advanced Topics builds on this foundation to discuss lesser-known protocol features, engineering aspects, conformance testing and cybersecurity.
