IEC 61850 has replaced hard-wired copper with ethernet, but real-world deployments frequently underestimate network engineering. Here's how to architect a robust station.
Three-Layer Model
- Process Level: merging units, sampled values (9-2LE)
- Bay Level: IEDs, protection relays exchanging GOOSE
- Station Level: gateways, HMI, historian
Redundancy: PRP vs. HSR
Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) uses dual independent networks; Highspeed Seamless Redundancy (HSR) forms a ring. Both give zero-recovery-time failover — mandatory for GOOSE trip signals.