Generally, serial communication is a widely used method to transfer data between processing equipment and peripherals. Every device, might it be your computer or mobile, runs on serial protocol which serves as a reliable form of communication.
It was not until the 1990’s that fibre optics were implemented to guarantee immunity against electromagnetic interferences, this not only prevented interruptions but helped save tons of copper that were laid in cable conduits.
So, when ethernet became cheaper and new network topologies — the arrangement in which computer systems or network devices are connected to each other — were made possible, such as the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
TCP/IP protocol
TCP/IP is responsible for managing the connection between a client and a server, making sure the data that needs to be transferred is split into several packets, which will eventually reach their destination. Unlike serial communication, if data corrupts or does not reach its destination TCP/IP defines how the missing data will be retransmitted, while controlling the flow of data to the right place.
TCP/IP technologies have received much stronger development efforts than serial, due to the vast number of users currently utilising it. For example, TCP/IP is used for the internet, which obviously demands fast communication speeds and flexibility in topologies.
TCP/IP is also widely used in industrial settings, unless the facility has opted for fast Ethernet protocols. In these environments, TCP/IP can help support network protocols within substations and manufacturing plants, such as DNP3 and IEC 60870-5-104. These protocols are commonly used for wide area communication between the substation and the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) master.
With this in mind, TCP/IP is essential for the plethora of new current remote working situations the industry finds itself in. This is due to its ability to control locations separated between long distances. That being said, TCP/IP is not without its downfalls.
Considerations
Because they are so widely used, TCP/IP protocols can be vulnerable to attack. Today, hacking tools for TCP/IP related protocols are easier to find than serial protocols, so it is essential to ensure systems are secure.
Consider the consequences of this risk for an energy network, for example. While TCP/IP provides data communication for distributed assets, such as multiple substations and energy generation sites, this widespread infrastructure is at serious threat of cyber-attack. In fact, since the infamous discovery of Stuxnet in 2010, there has been an increase in attacks on the energy sector, with attacks rising by 380 per cent between 2014 and 2015.
When using TCP/IP protocols, the energy sector must be extra vigilant. When choosing technology, the energy industry involve options Virtual Private Networks, coupled with standards like the IEC 62351 series, that provide the required levels of security. COPA-DATA’s energy grid software, zenon, for instance, meets the IEC 62351 standard for security in energy management systems and is developed using a security by design approach.
There are, of course, some instances where serial communication is used for security. In the power industry, this is only present in rare cases where a dedicated communication link is used serially for security reasons. This provides more protection against hackers, but security by obscurity is not a viable way to protect critical infrastructure. Instead, opting for secure TCP/IP is recommended.
TCP/IP ensures data can travel across greater distances, at faster speeds and in larger quantities. And, although TCP/IP might be at some risk to attack, by combining this with secure communication technology, like COPA-DATA’s zenon, we can protect data and in turn, the grid.
