IEC TR 62357-200-2015 PDF

Full title and description

Power systems management and associated information exchange - Part 200: Guidelines for migration from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6). This Technical Report gives guidance for planning and implementing IPv4→IPv6 migration in power‑system information exchanges (substations, control centres, EMS, synchrophasor systems, distributed generation, storage, load management), addressing migration strategies, application and protocol impact, addressing and configuration, security and operational management, and backward‑compatibility paths within the IEC 61850 framework.

Abstract

IEC TR 62357-200:2015 provides recommendations and migration strategies for utilities and suppliers moving power‑system communications from IPv4 to IPv6. It covers architectural approaches (dual‑stack, tunnelling, translation), effects on applications and protocol stacks, address planning and allocation, device and network node considerations, cyber‑security implications and management/operational measures to maintain interoperability and continuity of service. The report emphasises coexistence and practical migration paths for protocols used in the IEC 61850 family.

General information

• Status: Published (Technical Report).
• Publication date: 2015-07-23.
• Publisher: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), TC 57.
• ICS / categories: 33.200 (Telecontrol, telemetering and associated communications for power systems).
• Edition / version: Edition 1.0 (2015).
• Number of pages: 66 (document as published by IEC; some distributors list small variations in page counts).

Scope

The report applies to information exchange in power systems including, but not limited to, substations, control centres, maintenance centres, energy management systems, synchrophasor‑based stability systems, bulk generation, distributed generation (renewables), energy storage and load management. It addresses technical, operational and security issues encountered during migration from IPv4 to IPv6, and gives guidance on transition mechanisms, impact analysis for applications and services, address planning, device configuration, and management requirements to preserve interoperability.

Key topics and requirements

• Migration strategies and planning for power‑system networks (phased approaches, risk assessment, rollback planning).
• Coexistence techniques: dual‑stack deployment, tunnelling (e.g., 6to4, ISATAP-like concepts), and translation mechanisms; trade‑offs and applicability in utility environments.
• Addressing and prefix planning suited to utility topologies; allocation and management of IPv6 addresses.
• Impact analysis on applications and protocols commonly used in TC57 (notably IEC 61850 family) and recommendations for preserving interoperability.
• Network node and device considerations: firmware/stack support, configuration changes, testing and validation procedures.
• Cyber‑security implications for IPv6 (addressing privacy, access controls, firewalling, AAA, logging) and operational security management during migration.
• Operational and management requirements: monitoring, fault diagnosis, change control, and staff training for IPv6 environments.

Typical use and users

Intended users are electric utilities, system integrators, equipment vendors, substation and control‑centre engineers, network architects, cyber‑security teams, and consultants involved in design, deployment and operation of communications for power‑system automation. It is used for migration planning, procurement specifications, vendor discussions and operational readiness reviews when moving to IPv6.

Related standards

Closely related documents and series include other parts of the IEC 62357 series (reference architecture and related guidance such as IEC TR 62357-1), the IEC 61850 family (substation and power‑system communications), and IEC 62351 series for data and communications security. Where IPv6 protocol specifics are required, relevant IETF RFCs and vendor implementation guidance should be consulted in addition to the IEC material.

Keywords

IPv6 migration, IPv4, dual‑stack, tunnelling, address planning, IEC 61850, power systems communications, TC57, cyber‑security, substation communications, EMS, synchrophasor, migration strategy.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: IEC TR 62357-200:2015 is a Technical Report that provides guidelines for migrating power‑system communications from Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4) to Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), with focus on utility environments and protocols used in TC57.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers migration strategies, coexistence/transition techniques (dual‑stack, tunnelling, translation), addressing and allocation, configuration and device considerations, application/protocol impacts (including IEC 61850), and cyber‑security and management measures needed during migration.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Utilities, network and system engineers, equipment vendors, integrators, cyber‑security teams and consultants use it when planning or executing IPv6 migration projects in power‑system contexts.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The Technical Report was published on 23 July 2015 and is listed with a stability/review date in IEC metadata of 2026; it remains the published guidance document for IPv6 migration in the IEC 62357 series until formally revised or superseded. Users should check for any newer IEC publications or amendments that post‑date this report.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 200 of the IEC 62357 series (Power systems management and associated information exchange), which also includes reference architecture and other guidance documents (for example IEC TR 62357-1). The series is produced by IEC TC 57 and links closely with IEC 61850 and IEC 62351 activities.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: IPv6 migration, IPv4 to IPv6, dual‑stack, tunnelling, address planning, IEC 61850, power systems communications, cyber‑security, TC57.