Practical_modern_SCADA_protocols_-_dnp3,_60870-5_and_Related_Systems

392 Practical Modern SCADA Protocols: DNP3, 60870.5 and Related Systems
The UCA concepts represent a significant step forward in the application of standards to
provide benefits of interoperability between systems. Through the use of uniform data
models the concept of plug-and-play will allow UCA compliant systems to configure
themselves when equipment is added. Although UCA has been slow in developing, and
has originated in the North American utility industry, there are signs that it will emerge to
become a strong force in the next decade. DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-101 are not presently
incorporated into UCA, but there is no fundamental reason that they cannot be incorporated
in future.
The spread of LAN/WAN technology and broadband data services generally is a trend
that has been in place for some decades. However, it is probably fair to say that future
growth in broadband connectivity is going to exceed past growth substantially. Again,
whereas SCADA systems have had their own communications infrastructure in the past,
this will change. The availability of broadband data access on an increasing widespread
basis will mean that more often control systems will be interconnected through common
data services. Routing of control system data over networks will become the norm, and
security considerations will become an increasingly important issue.