IEC-104 Protocol

The IEC-104 protocol is a pivotal component in the realm of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Originating from the IEC 60870-5 standard, IEC-104 extends the communication capabilities of these systems by enabling remote control and monitoring over TCP/IP networks. This protocol plays a crucial role in industries such as energy, water, and transportation, where real-time data exchange is essential for operational efficiency and safety.

IEC-104 enhances the traditional IEC-101 by facilitating the transmission of data over wide-area networks, thus supporting modern infrastructure needs. It ensures interoperability and seamless integration among diverse devices and systems by providing a standardized method of communication. The protocol supports a range of functionalities, including data acquisition, supervisory control, event reporting, and time synchronization.

Security in IEC-104 is paramount due to the critical nature of the systems it governs. With the increasing convergence of IT and OT networks, safeguarding these communications against cyber threats is essential. Therefore, implementing robust security measures, such as encryption and authentication, is vital to protect the integrity and confidentiality of data exchanged through IEC-104.