PACSystems™ RX3i DNP3 Outstation User Manual
Section 1
GFK-3103B
June 2020
Introduction
5
1.5
DNP3 Overview
DNP3 is a master/ Outstation communications protocol originally developed for use in the electric
utility sector for power transmission and distribution systems. It has migrated to other vertical markets
such as water/waste water, transportation, and oil and gas pipeline sectors. DNP3 is the current
specification of Distributed Network Protocol (DNP) which has a long history of being a Remote
Terminal Unit (RTU) protocol based on a 3-layer protocol scheme. DNP3 provides a set of
communications protocols used between components in process automation systems.
Figure 1: DNP3 Basic System Architecture
Figure 2: DNP3 Applications from Electrical Distribution Industry