Substation Gateways for Protocol Conversion

Introduction
Distribution System Operators (DSO) typically use a variety of outstation devices, master systems and protocols. Each new protocol increases the test, maintenance, deployment and IT system overheads, so most DSOs are looking to consolidate around a master running a specific protocol for SCADA.
Virtual Access Mini RTU
Virtual Access substation hardened routers include a function called Mini RTU that provides protocol conversion allowing the DSO to consolidate on a single protocol. Even if it is not one of the protocols listed above, we are continually adding protocol support and can implement non-standard protocols.
Mini RTU includes the following functionality:
A data point mapper maps between the master and RTU protocols providing completely generic mapping between outstation and master, meaning that it can work with any outstation or master device. 
The protocol table below shows the protocols currently available on our range of substation gateways.
| Protocol | Server (Controlled Station) | Client (Controlling Station) |
| IEC 60870-5-104 (TCP) | Yes | Yes |
| IEC 60870-5-101 (Serial) | Yes | Yes |
| DNP3 Serial | No | Yes |
| DNP3 TCP | Yes | Yes |
| Modbus TCP | Yes | Yes |
| Modbus Serial | Yes | Yes |
| IEC 61850 | Yes | Yes |
| MQTT | Yes | No |
Management
A key difference in our solution is the carrier-grade Activator provisioning and monitoring system designed to scale to tens of thousands of devices. This means that devices do not need to be pre-configured and can be installed without staff skilled in networking. The solution allows the DSO to maximise the level of process and field deployment automation by integrating with northbound IT systems and enables devices behind the VA router in the substation’s cabinets to be configured identically, while still being individually addressable from the central SCADA systems.

Protocol Gateway Summary
Products
Key Benefits
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