Category Archives: Blog

Industrial Ethernet networks are expected to operate continuously, even when cables fail or devices are powered off. In many automation environments, a short communication interruption can stop production, affect safety, or cause loss of control. To address this requirement, several standardized redundancy protocols have been developed. One of them is the Ring-based Redundancy Protocol (RRP). RRP is defined… Read More »

A Distribution Management System (DMS) is a software platform used by electric utilities to monitor, control, analyze, and optimize distribution networks. These networks typically operate at medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) levels and deliver electricity from substations to end customers. In simple terms, a DMS helps utilities operate the distribution grid safely, reliably, and efficiently in… Read More »

An Energy Management System (EMS) is a software system used by power utilities to monitor, control, analyze, and optimize the operation of electrical power systems, mainly at the generation and transmission levels. In simple words, an EMS helps system operators keep the power system secure, stable, and economical, while ensuring electricity supply meets demand at all times. EMS… Read More »

SCADA systems provide supervisory monitoring, data acquisition, and remote control of field devices by collecting alarms and status information from distributed sites. Unlike typical IT applications, SCADA traffic is event-driven, time-sensitive, and often safety-critical. Because of this, the choice of VPN technology can directly affect how well SCADA protocols behave over wide-area or untrusted networks. WireGuard and OpenVPN… Read More »

TCP port 22 is one of the most important ports in modern computer networks. It is the default port used by SSH (Secure Shell), a protocol designed to provide secure remote access to systems over an untrusted network. Whenever engineers connect to a server, network device, or industrial system using SSH, they are almost always using TCP port… Read More »

61850 Test Software is essential for validating communication, interoperability, and correct behavior in modern digital substations. From GOOSE messaging and MMS communication to multivendor interoperability checks, the right testing tools help engineers verify that protection, control, and automation systems operate safely and reliably before and after commissioning. This article reviews some of the most widely used IEC 61850… Read More »

IACS Cybersecurity focuses on protecting Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) such as SCADA, PLCs, RTUs, DCS, IEDs, and industrial networks from cyber threats while ensuring safety, availability, and operational reliability. For operators of critical infrastructure—power utilities, oil and gas, manufacturing, water, and renewable energy—cybersecurity is no longer optional. Modern industrial systems are connected, remote-access enabled, and increasingly… Read More »

SCADA software (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a critical technology used to monitor, control, and automate industrial processes across factories, utilities, energy systems, and infrastructure. While many commercial SCADA systems come with high licensing costs, free SCADA software has become a powerful and practical alternative for students, engineers, hobbyists, and small businesses. Today, there are several open-source… Read More »

Modern industrial networks depend heavily on remote communication. Whether it is a control center talking to a substation, a SCADA system collecting data from a water pump, or a utility monitoring dozens of remote field stations, the network path between these locations must be reliable, secure, and predictable. Two common technologies are used today to connect a central… Read More »

The CIP protocol (Common Industrial Protocol) is an open, object-oriented communication standard used across modern industrial automation. It defines how devices organize data, how services are requested, and how real-time I/O and safety/motion extensions operate—while running over multiple network types such as EtherNet/IP, DeviceNet, ControlNet, and CompoNet. This guide explains CIP’s architecture, object model, messaging, connections, safety and… Read More »