Dual-network architectures are becoming more and more common in power substations, which rely on complex and sophisticated networks for data acquisition and access control. Typically, costly software development and specialized hardware are required to manage redundant systems. Many devices, including protection relays, controllers, switch gears, and RTUs, still have RS-232 or RS-485 serial interfaces, so device servers are used to integrate them into major automation systems and enable communication with PC hosts over an Ethernet LAN.

With this application, legacy RS-232 and RS-485 serial devices are connected to an Ethernet network to provide advanced management capability, and to synchronize operations between local and remote control sites. This type of setup provides stability and reliability for data acquisition and access control through redundancy.