DNP3 Communications

DNP3 communications take place in the Distributed Network Protocol format. The DNP3 protocol is a protocol that is widely used in the water and electric utility industries. DNP3 communications are a key part of how process automation systems and devices on networks in these industries work together.

DNP3 Communications are a Key Part of Your SCADA System
The DNP3 communications are commonly used within SCADA (Site Control and Data Acquisition) systems. The various components of these systems communicate using the DNP3 protocol. These devices include the SCADA master (or HMI), the RTU’s (Remote Terminal Units), and IED’s (Intelligent Electronic Devices).

In many SCADA networks, different equipment vendors manufacture this equipment. In the days before the DNP3 communications protocol, the inability of these devices to communicate presented a problem for large utility companies who were unable to effectively manage their network of devices.

DNP3 Communications Connect Devices from Different Vendors
DNP3 was developed specifically to meet these communications needs. Using the base of another protocol in development, IEC 60870-5, the open-source protocol was introduced to provide for an open means of DNP3 communication between SCADA network devices of varying vendors.

DNP3 communications take place on layer. 2 This provides for data fragmentation, multiplexing, checking for errors, link control, prioritization, and layer 2 addressing services for user data.

Network Alarm Monitoring Provides for Added DNP3 Communications Reliability
Monitoring your DNP3 communications with an advanced master will help you to reduce your network downtime by alerting you anytime there is a problem with the DNP3 communications taking place between your various SCADA system components. You will be informed of these issues with automated pager or email notifications from your advanced alarm master.

Make T/Mon NOC Your DNP3 Communications Master
T/Mon NOC is one such alarm master that can provide you with instant alarm notifications anytime there is an error with your DNP3 communications. Using the DNP3 software module, T/Mon can bring all of your DNP3 communications alarms into the same convenient browser used for all of your alarm monitoring. With specific alarm details including location and repair information, as well as alarms sent via email, cell phone, or pager, your technicians will be able to quickly bring your network back online. This will save you from losing revenues to network downtime.

T/Mon will also provide you with a convenient single-window browser to view all of your DNP3 communication alarms, as well as alarms from other protocols deployed within your network. With a single browser for all of your varying protocol devices, you’ll be able to maintain a single alarm master maintained by a single network operator. This will save you significant expenditures in equipment and labor.

Don’t Neglect Your Important DNP3 Communications- Deploy a T/Mon Alarm Master
Your DNP3 communications are an important part of your mission-critical automated processes. You need to know right away if a problem is preventing you from providing your customers with the reliable service they demand. Deploy a T/Mon NOC with the DNP3 software module to maximize your uptime, revenue, and profits.

Download the SCADA White Paper

Related Products:
T/Mon NOC

Related Topics:
DNP3
DNP3 Protocol
DNP3 SCADA

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