The use of mobile computing services to support field automation

Summary form only given as follows. This presentation discusses the use of mobile computing services to support field automation applications. It reviews communication requirements presented by field automation devices, the state of the art in communication architectures for utility communications, and the use of common-carrier services to provide both automation device communication as well as field force access to real-time information. The presentation contrasts the services available using traditional SCADA protocols running on private communication systems to those which can be made available using protocols built using the OSI communication model in which application layer services are distinct from routable network services. Also included is a discussion of the abstract services and device models which have been developed for utility automation applications and their application to field devices.