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.
Modbus TCP/IP Explained: Complete Beginner-to-Expert Guide
Modbus TCP/IP explained from the ground up: ADU structure, encapsulation across network layers, big-endian data, the client-server model, and function codes.
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.
Modbus TCP Port 502: Setup, Security, Troubleshooting
Modbus TCP port 502 in depth: IANA registration, connection lifecycle, client limits, firewall rules, Wireshark filters, and the TLS secure variant on port 802.
DNP3 Secure Authentication Version 6 (SAv6): Encryption and Authorization Explained
Learn how DNP3 Secure Authentication V6 (IEEE 1815-2020) adds AES-256-GCM encryption, AMP authorization, and LESS key management to SCADA systems.
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.
DNP3 Port Number Explained: TCP/UDP 20000, Secure Port 19999, and Firewall Configuration
Learn about the DNP3 port 20000 — its purpose, configuration, security measures, and best practices for safe SCADA communication in industrial networks.
DNP3 Report by Exception, Background Polls, and Balanced Communication
Explore DNP3’s report by exception mode, periodic background polls, and balanced communication that improve SCADA efficiency and reliability.
DNP3 System Topology Explained: Master, Multidrop, and Hierarchical
Learn about DNP3 system topologies — master–slave, multidrop, hierarchical, and multiple-master — used in SCADA communication networks.
DNP3 Message Structure Explained
Explore how DNP3 messages are structured across layers — from APDU to CRC frames — ensuring reliable and secure SCADA communication.
DNP3 Secure Authentication Version 5 (SAv5): Strengthening SCADA Communication Security
Learn how DNP3 Secure Authentication (SAv5, IEEE 1815-2012) protects SCADA systems using cryptographic challenge–response verification and message integrity checks.
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.
DNP3 IIN (Internal Indications) Bits Meaning & SCADA Troubleshooting Guide
Learn what DNP3 IIN bits are, how they work, and how to decode internal indications in SCADA systems for reliability, event handling, and cybersecurity monitoring.
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.
Python Modbus Libraries Comparison: The Complete 2025 Guide
Compare top Python Modbus libraries—PyModbus, MinimalModbus, Modbus-tk, and more—to choose the best library for your industrial or IoT project.
DNP3 Protocol: How It Works, Objects, and Function Codes
DNP3 protocol explained with IEEE 1815-2012 detail — the four layers, object groups and variations, all 33 function codes, IIN bits, and conformance levels.
Best Free Modbus Software: 10 Tools for RTU and TCP Testing
Best free Modbus software for engineers: 10 tools for RTU, TCP, and ASCII testing. Master utilities, slave simulators, sniffers, and monitors compared.
Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP: Gateway Setup and Conversion
Modbus RTU to Modbus TCP conversion step by step: frame translation byte by byte, hardware and software gateway setup, Unit ID mapping, and timeout tuning.