The standard supports free allocation of functions to devices. With efficient

communication facilities, the functions can be located anywhere in the system, that

is, an interlocking function can reside in the IED or on the station level.

Additionally, the standard is open for different system implementations, that is,

different integration levels and allocation of functions to different devices is

supported.

The standard also defines an XML description language for substation automation

systems. The language facilitates efficient integration of devices into systems in an

automated fashion. Additionally the standard supports a comprehensive and

consistent system definition and engineering, which makes not only the devices,

but also their tools and systems interoperable (standard part 6).

The standard uses Ethernet and TCP/IP for communication. Since Ethernet and TCP/

IP are widely accepted and used, the application of these technologies provide a

broad range of features from mainstream communication (standard parts 8-1. 9-2).

However, IEC 61850 is also open for possible new communication concepts in the

future.