Securely Integrating Industrial Communication – IEC 60870 & IEC 61850

Secure and reliable communication between control systems, protection devices, and controllers is the backbone of modern energy infrastructure. Whether substations, network control technology, or industrial automation – the protocols IEC 60870-5-104 and IEC 61850 form the international standard. However, integrating them into existing systems or new products presents technical and regulatory challenges that require deep expertise.

Our Services at a Glance

We support plant operators, system integrators, and product manufacturers holistically – from initial analysis through technical implementation to sustainable knowledge transfer to your team.

Consulting & Conception

Together, we analyze your existing system landscape and develop an integration concept that fits your infrastructure. We consider both functional requirements and current security standards such as IEC 62351. Our consulting covers protocol selection, data modeling, network architecture, and interface definition.

Implementation & Commissioning

We accompany you through hands-on implementation – whether as a technical sparring partner for your development team or as the implementing force directly at the system:

• IEC 61850 MMS – Data model design (SCL/ICD/SCD), IED configuration, and client/server communication setup for protection and control systems.
• IEC 61850 GOOSE – Real-time capable, publisher/subscriber-based communication for time-critical switching commands and interlocking within substations.
• IEC 60870-5-104 – Integration of telecontrol communication over TCP/IP for connection to network control centers and SCADA systems.
• IEC 60870-5-104 with TLS – Securing telecontrol communication according to current security requirements through encrypted and authenticated connections per IEC 62351.
• IEC 60870-5-101 – Serial telecontrol transmission without TCP – for environments where network-independent, robust communication is required.

Training & Knowledge Transfer

Technology is only as good as the people who understand and operate it. That's why we offer hands-on training sessions and workshops tailored precisely to your team and your systems:

• Foundation Training – Introduction to IEC 61850 and IEC 60870-5-104 for engineers, technicians, and project managers working with these protocols for the first time.
• Advanced Workshops – Deep dives into specific topics such as GOOSE engineering, MMS data modeling, SCL configuration, or securing IEC 104 via TLS.
• Hands-on Training – Practical exercises on real or simulated systems so your team can independently perform protocol analysis, troubleshooting, and commissioning.
• Security Workshops – Focus on IEC 62351, TLS integration, and secure communication architectures for critical infrastructure.
• Custom Formats – Whether on-site training, remote workshops, or ongoing coaching over several weeks – we adapt format and depth to your needs.

Testing & Validation

On request, we also support protocol testing, interoperability checks, and validation of your implementation against the respective standard. This ensures your solution not only works, but is also compliant and future-proof.

Why ALPSCALE?

Our team combines years of experience in the energy sector and critical infrastructure with deep expertise in automation, IT security, and software development. We know the standards not just in theory, but from practical implementation in real-world systems – from substation automation to SCADA integration.

Whether you're extending an existing system, equipping a new product with standards-compliant communication, transitioning your infrastructure to secure transmission methods, or training your team on these protocols – we'll guide you every step of the way.

Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation – together, we'll find the right solution for your project.