Distributed Network Protocol (DNP or DNP3)

An open, standards-based set of communication protocols that enables interoperability between components in process automation systems. Its main use is in the electric utility industry processes that exist between substations, outstations, and master stations. Widely used in Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) networks for communications between a master station and remote terminal unit (RTU)s or intelligent electronic device (IED)s.