Physical Layer

The physical layer is primarily concerned with the physical media over which the protocol is being communicated. This communication between the WinCC OA DNP3 driver and the outstation can be carried out via different layers. These are:

  • serial interface

  • serial interface with modem control

  • TCP/UDP

Currently the WinCC OA DNP3 driver supports TCP and the serial interface V24 (without modem).

Topology

The following network configurations are possible in DNP3:

  • Peer-To-Peer

  • Peer-To-Peer via modem

  • Master-Slave (multidrop line)

  • Multiple Master

  • Hierarchical (Master and Slave, i.e. data concentrator)

In addition, one mode of communication is supported:

  • balanced (quiescent mode): 1 main station: 1 outstation, station A and B with the same permissions

The communication can take place via two wire (half duplex) or four wire (full duplex) media.