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An Introduction to the DNP3 SCADA Communications Protocol

Name: An Introduction to the DNP3 SCADA Communications Protocol
Rating: 4.6 (477 reviews)

Learn the fundamentals of the DNP3 SCADA protocol using both a theoretical and practical approach

Bestseller

Highest Rated

Created byEmile Ackbarali

Last updated 5/2026

English

What you'll learn

SCADA Telemetry vs. Factory Automation
DNP3 Design Principles
Polling with Report By Exception
Unsolicited with Report By Exception
Quiescent Operation
Configuration of FIU and RTU Settings
Simulation of DNP3 Communication
Data Representation and Network Messaging
Implementation Levels and Standards
DNP3 Data Frame Formats
DNP3 Data Object Model

Course content

7 sections • 31 lectures • 2h 26m total length

Introduction3:34
Accessing Attached Resources and Setting Optimal Video Resolution2:23

DNP3 was Designed for SCADA Systems5:03
DNP3 will not be found in use on the factory floor. Rather, it is used in the field of SCADA where equipment spanning large geographical distances need to be monitored and controlled.
A Typical SCADA System using a Real Life Example6:15
The typical SCADA system is described using an example in the Oil/Gas industry.
Key Issues with our SCADA System Example - Part 15:11
2 of the 4 key issues with the SCADA system example are explored.
Key Issues with our SCADA System Example - Part 23:32
The remaining 2 of the 4 key issues with the SCADA system example are explored.
How Implementing DNP3 Solved Issues with our SCADA System Example6:28
The existing RTUs were replaced by DNP3 RTUs and a system of data acquisition was implemented that eliminated the issues.

Data Storage and Communication Formats4:21
The format used for storage of data as well as the format for communication of data is discussed.
DNP3 uses Objects to Represent Data Values5:40
DNP3 uses objects to represent and more importantly communicate data. Multiple types of objects can be linked to the same I/O points.
Understanding the Purpose of Event Objects4:48
A look at why Event type objects need to be used in DNP3 for report by exception operations.
The DNP3 List of Objects4:10
DNP3 has a list of object types as part of the specification. This is looked at here.
Default Variations4:19
How default variations are configured and the scenarios under which they come into play.
Point Indexes2:39
DNP3 uses point indexes to individually reference I/O.
Data Classes7:12
DNP3 data classes are linked to events and allow for even more efficient usage of bandwidth.
Usage of Data Classes for Report By Exception4:04
How Classes work with Polled and Unsolicited Report by Exception.

The DNP3 Simulation Software Applications4:00
Two software applications will be downloaded and installed in order to simulate DNP3 communication.
Downloading and Installing the Software Applications3:44
Both applications are downloaded from the Github page. Web link resources attached to this lecture.
Key Configuration and Set Up Parameters for DNP3 FIU & RTUs5:30
A high level look at the various parameters and groups of parameters that must be configured for FIU and RTU equipment.
Settings for the Client / Master Simulator (FIU)6:48
A look at the settings for the client / master simulation software application.
Settings for the Outstation / Server Simulator (RTU)9:23
A look at the settings for the outstation / server simulation software application.
Configuration of Polling Only5:08
The simulators are configured to perform polling only. No polled RBE or unsolicited RBE.
Configuration of Polled with Report By Exception - Binary Input4:38
The simulators are configured to perform polling as well as polling with RBE.
Configuration of Polled with Report By Exception - Analog Input3:28
Configuration of Unsolicited with Report By Exception4:13

Sub-set Levels5:48
Sub-set levels within DNP3 give equipment vendors options for implementing various levels of the DNP3 protocol suitable to their devices.
The Device Profile Document2:45
The device profile document is a key tool of DNP3 in providing for interoperability between DNP3 devices and systems. It is a required document that must be provided by the manufacturer for any equipment conforming to the DNP3 standard.
Time Synchronization5:56
For events to match up correctly across a system, it is essential that the clocks in all outstations are synchronized with the master station clock.

Requirements

Basic knowledge of PLC hardware, especially Inputs and Outputs
Awareness of wireless radio communication
Awareness of Factory Automation protocols using in Industry

Description

If you are involved or will be involved in data acquisition and control of equipment spread over large geographical areas, then you need to have a working knowledge of the DNP3 protocol.

If you work in the areas of Electrical Transmission and Distribution, Water and Waste Water Management, Oil/Gas or Security systems, then having a working knowledge of the DNP3 protocol is a significant asset.

This course has been designed with practicality in mind. At the end of this course, you will know how DNP3 devices represent data in memory and the types of messaging that they use to exchange data. You will also perform practical exercises using simulation software, allowing you to get first hand experience in configuring DNP3 devices for communications. Essentially, you will have a new practical skill in the field of SCADA Telemetry and Wide Area Communication.

Specifically, in this course, you will learn:

- The difference between SCADA and Factory Automation protocols.

- How DNP3 devices represent data in memory.

- DNP3 network messaging types..

- DNP3 terminology: RTU, FIU, Report By Exception, Polled and Unsolicited Communication.

- Configuration of settings in DNP3 devices.

- Configuration and simulation of DNP3 communication.

- Implementation levels and standards.

- DNP3 data frame formats.

and much more ...

Who this course is for:

Electrical Engineers
Electrical Technicians
Electrical Tech or Engineering Students
Process Control Technicians and Engineers
Process Automation Engineers
Programmers working in the Process Automation field
SCADA Designers and Engineers
SCADA Technicians

An Introduction to the DNP3 SCADA Communications Protocol

What you'll learn

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Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 6min

DNP3 Design Principles5 lectures • 26min

Data Representation and Acquisition Methods8 lectures • 37min

Configuration of DNP3 Communication using Simulation Software9 lectures • 47min

Discrete and Analog Output Control3 lectures • 14min

Sub-set Levels, Device Profiles and Time Synchronization3 lectures • 14min

Bonus Section - How to Always get the Lowest Prices for my Courses1 lecture • 2min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: