IEC-60870-5-101 (IEC-101) and IEC-60870-5-104 (IEC-104) are two of the most important communication protocols used in electrical power systems, especially in substations and national SCADA systems. Both belong to the IEC-60870-5 family, which defines how remote telecontrol data is exchanged for monitoring, supervision, and automation. Even though the two protocols share the same information structure (ASDUs), they behave very… Read More »
Modern SCADA systems are no longer isolated. With the rise of remote substations, cloud monitoring, and IP-based protocols like IEC 60870-5-104, the traditional “trusted internal network” model is obsolete. That’s where Zero-Trust Architecture (ZTA) comes in — a cybersecurity framework that assumes no device, user, or network is inherently trustworthy.Instead, every connection must be verified, authenticated, and continuously… Read More »
When comparing RS232 vs RS485, it’s essential to understand that both are serial communication standards — meaning they send data bit by bit over a single communication line. However, RS232 is designed for short, point-to-point connections, while RS485 supports long-distance, multi-device networks using differential signaling. This guide explains the key differences, pin configurations, wiring, and real-world use cases… Read More »
The RS-485 communication standard is the backbone of many industrial and building automation systems. It allows robust and reliable data transfer across distances of up to 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) using cost-effective twisted pair cabling. This guide provides practical RS-485 wiring recommendations for RS-485 controllers, helping installers and engineers avoid communication failures and ensure long-term system stability. Understanding… Read More »
When working with industrial automation, IoT sensors, or PLC communication, the Modbus protocol remains one of the most widely used standards for device interoperability. Python, with its rich ecosystem and simplicity, has become a go-to language for building Modbus clients, servers, and gateways. But with multiple Python Modbus libraries available — PyModbus, MinimalModbus, pyModbusTCP, Modbus-tk, and others —… Read More »
When you have finished this study on the difference between DNP3 and IEC 60870, you should be able to distinguish and identify the similarities between the two communication protocols. Comparison between DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-101 DNP3 (Distributed Network Protocol 3) and IEC 60870-5-101 are two communication protocols widely used in the field of industrial control systems (ICS) automation… Read More »
In industrial control and SCADA environments, the choice of communication protocol determines system reliability, latency, and security. Two protocols dominate legacy and modern SCADA communication — Modbus and DNP3. Although both serve similar functions (data exchange between a control center and field devices), they differ significantly in architecture, layer structure, and functional philosophy. Modbus prioritizes simplicity and universality,… Read More »
Here are top 10 free Modbus troubleshooting tools & software for troubleshooting and testing Modbus (RTU, TCP, ASCII) networks — all useful for diagnostics, simulation, or monitoring. I include a brief description of what each tool offers and why it’s worth considering. 1. OpenModScan Free/open-source Modbus Master (client) utility supporting both Modbus-TCP and Modbus-RTU. You can use it… Read More »
When setting up a Modbus network, one of the key decisions is choosing the right physical communication layer — RS-485 vs Ethernet. Both options support the Modbus protocol (Modbus RTU for RS-485 and Modbus TCP for Ethernet), but they differ in wiring, speed, distance, and application. This article explains the differences between RS-485 vs Ethernet for Modbus communication… Read More »