---
title: "Design and commissioning of a massive IEC61850 multivendor substation automation project: a twisted path"
date: 2021-01-25T13:46:00-05:00
author: jessica napert
canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/design-and-commissioning-of-a-massive-iec61850-multivendor-substation-automation-project-a-twisted-path"
section: Publications
---
Technologies, such as IEC61850, introduce the need for a different engineering approach to electrical protection networks (EPN). Traditional telecommunication networks transporting information, require a new approach in design and architecture capable of responding to these emerging technologies.

 

1. These new protection networks have very precise requirements, such as GOOSE messages, in which a time greater than 3 ms is not allowed between the moment an event occurs and a protection signal is received.
    
    This is why factors such as performance, reliability, redundancy, and cybersecurity are elements that become relevant when defining the network architecture and telecommunication protocols to use.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA

 

    1. ![Kari Blyth](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/209810/Kari-Blyth.webp)   
    
     Kari Blyth, P.Eng.
    
    Office Director, Management - Edmonton office
    
         [  ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-blyth-1059b283/)
2. ![Diego Quintero](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2576/Diego-Quintero.webp)   
    
     Diego Quintero, P.Eng.
    
    Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
    
         [  ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/diego-fernando-quintero-lopez-02704044/)
 
 

       

  

  

 

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     Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp)
    - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance")
- [  02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp)
    - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing")
- [  19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals  
    
     
    
     Speed is earned early in projects 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
    - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp)
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects")
- [  17 Jun 2026 
    
     Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations 
    
     
    
     
    
    
    - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp)   
        
         Pierre Boucher, P.Eng.
        
        Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure
     
       
    
     
    
      ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations")
 
 

       

 

 [ See all 

 ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") 

 

   

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together [ Contact us    

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  Technologies, such as IEC61850, introduce the need for a different engineering approach to electrical protection networks (EPN). Traditional telecommunication networks transporting information, require a new approach in design and architecture capable of responding to these emerging technologies.

 

1. These new protection networks have very precise requirements, such as GOOSE messages, in which a time greater than 3 ms is not allowed between the moment an event occurs and a protection signal is received.
    
    This is why factors such as performance, reliability, redundancy, and cybersecurity are elements that become relevant when defining the network architecture and telecommunication protocols to use.
 
This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA