300+ SCADA Protocol Articles & Guides
Deep dives on Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, IEC 61850, OPC UA, Profinet, MQTT, IEC 62443, and substation automation — written for practicing engineers.
ICCP vs IEC 61850: Two MMS Protocols, Two Jobs
ICCP vs IEC 61850 compared: why both run MMS on port 102, how their data models differ, control and reporting differences, and where the two meet in a utility.
MQTT vs AMQP: A Complete Comparison
MQTT vs AMQP compared: the differences between MQTT and both AMQP 0.9.1 and AMQP 1.0, feature by feature, with honest guidance on which fits which use case.
HTTP vs MQTT: Which to Use for Real-Time Messaging
HTTP vs MQTT compared for real-time messaging: long polling, SSE, WebSockets, and MQTT weighed on latency, scale, direction, and delivery guarantees.
EtherNet/IP vs Modbus TCP: Complete Comparison Guide
EtherNet/IP vs Modbus TCP: detailed comparison of data models, performance, ports, security, deployment scenarios. When to choose which protocol.
MQTT 5 vs MQTT 3.1.1: Differences, Features & Migration
MQTT 5 vs MQTT 3.1.1 compared: every difference, every new feature, behavioral changes, packet-level changes, and how to decide which version to use.
PROFINET vs EtherNet/IP: Complete Comparison for Industrial Engineers
PROFINET vs EtherNet/IP compared: protocol architecture, real-time performance, GSDML vs EDS, PROFIsafe vs CIP Safety, installed base, and when to choose each.
OPC Classic vs OPC UA: Key Differences and Migration Guide
OPC Classic vs OPC UA: compare security, platform support, and data modeling. Plus a practical migration guide with three strategies to fit any situation.
OPC UA vs MQTT vs Modbus: Which Protocol Should You Use?
OPC UA vs MQTT vs Modbus: Which protocol fits your project? Compare security, speed, data modeling, and scalability to pick the right one for your IIoT system.
PROFIBUS vs Modbus: Complete Technical Comparison for Engineers
A thorough technical comparison of PROFIBUS vs Modbus — covering protocol architecture, message framing, function codes, CRC methods, speed, diagnostics, network topology, and when to choose each. Based on the original Modicon Modbus specification and IEC 61784-1.
PROFIBUS vs PROFINET: Key Differences Explained
A detailed technical comparison of PROFIBUS vs PROFINET — covering physical layer, speed, topology, real-time classes, device models, diagnostics, safety, and application profiles. Based on IEC 61784-1 and IEC 61784-2. Written for automation engineers.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN for SCADA Systems: Key Differences
Compare WireGuard vs OpenVPN for SCADA systems, including DNP3 and IEC-104 behavior, latency, reliability, and secure UDP vs TCP design.
DNP3 vs IEC 61850: Full Technical Comparison of SCADA and Digital Substation Protocols
DNP3-IP, designed for distribution SCADA and remote telemetry, and IEC 61850, built for advanced substation automation and high-speed protection schemes.
DNP3 vs IEC 60870-5-104: Which Protocol Is Better for SCADA?
Compare DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-104 for SCADA systems—learn differences in architecture, performance, security, and use cases to choose the best protocol.
IEC-101 vs IEC-104 — Key Differences Explained
Clear technical comparison of IEC-101 vs IEC-104, explaining key differences, communication flow, and how IEC-101 to IEC-104 conversion works.
RS232 vs RS485: Key Differences, Comparison, and Pinout Explained
Compare RS232 vs RS485 communication standards — learn key differences in wiring, pinouts, speed, distance, and applications for serial devices.
DNP3 vs. IEC 60870-5-101: Key Differences and Similarities in SCADA Protocols
Dive into the key differences and similarities between DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-101 protocols for SCADA/ICS systems, covering addressing, security, interoperability, and more.
Modbus vs DNP3: A Technical Comparison for SCADA Engineers
Technical comparison of Modbus vs DNP3 (IEEE 1815) protocols covering architecture, communication layers, reliability, and cybersecurity.
RS-485 vs Ethernet: Choosing the Right Network for Modbus
Compare RS-485 vs Ethernet for Modbus communication. Learn key differences, pros, and best use cases to choose the right Modbus network for your system.