Tag Archives: TLS1.3

Introducing lib60870 C#/.NET Version 2.3.0: Enhanced Functionality and Improved Performance

We are pleased to announce the release of lib60870 C#/.NET version 2.3.0, bringing significant improvements and new features to enhance performance, flexibility, and compliance with IEC 60870-5 standards. This update introduces enhanced redundancy options, expanded TLS support, and multiple refinements to communication behavior, ensuring a more robust and adaptable solution for our users.

Customers with an active maintenance and service subscription can download the latest update from our customer portal. If you need assistance with accessing your account, please contact our support team.

Key Updates in Version 2.3.0

Improved Compatibility and Flexibility

  • The library target has been updated to .NET Standard 2.0, increasing compatibility across different .NET environments.
  • Copy constructors have been added for message types in the monitoring direction to streamline data handling.
  • TLS version selection is now user-configurable, allowing for greater flexibility.
  • Support for TLS 1.3 has been added, ensuring compliance with the latest encryption standards.
  • The CS104 client now allows users to set the local IP address and TCP port, improving redundancy support.

Enhanced Performance and Fixes

  • CS101 slave: Improved behavior in unbalanced mode when the FCB bit did not change (L870NET-21).
  • CS104 server: Strengthened connection management with refined stop-state handling (L870NET-22).
  • CS104 server: Enhanced robustness by ensuring proper connection closure upon receiving an S message in an inactive state (L870NET-23).
  • CS101 balanced link layer: Improved synchronization by sending a request-status-of-link before calling reset-of-remote-link (L870NET-25).
  • CS101 unbalanced master: Fine-tuned response timing with a controlled delay before repeating request-status-of-link (L870NET-26).
  • CS104 slave: Strengthened validation with enhanced IOA checking of received commands where IOA is fixed to 0 (L870NET-28).
  • CS104 slave: Refined compliance with IEC 60870-5-604:2016-5.3.2.70 by optimizing STOPDT-ACT behavior (L870NET-29).

Advanced Features for Greater Control

  • Master connection states (Stopped, Started, and Unconfirmed Stopped) are now explicitly managed (L870NET-32).
  • The ASDU queue is now divided into high and low priority, ensuring that critical messages are processed efficiently (L870NET-33).
  • CS104 Client Connection State has been implemented for improved connection monitoring (L870NET-34).
  • Improved handling of normalized and scaled values with additional test cases to ensure reliability.
  • The file handler now verifies Cause of Transmission (COT) for FileTransfer operations, preventing misinterpretations.
  • Unconfirmed messages are now processed before stopping a connection, reducing potential data loss.
  • The ASDU queue has been refactored, ensuring smoother message prioritization and bug fixes in high-priority ASDU handling.

Upgrade Today!

This release strengthens lib60870 C#/.NET as a powerful and flexible solution for implementing IEC 60870-5-based communication. We encourage all users to upgrade to version 2.3.0 to take advantage of the latest enhancements and improved reliability.

For further details, technical documentation, and implementation guidance, please visit our website or reach out to our support team.

Announcing the Latest Update to Our IEC 60870-5 Library – Version 2.3.3

At MZ automation, we continuously strive to enhance the performance, reliability, and security of our products. We’re excited to announce the release of version 2.3.3 of our IEC 60870-5 library, packed with new features and critical fixes designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers.

What’s New in Version 2.3.3?

Advanced TLS Security Features

  • Support for TLS 1.3: When using mbedTLS 3.6, the library now supports the latest TLS 1.3 standard, ensuring the highest level of security.
  • Cipher Suite Selection: Users can now select specific TLS cipher suites, enabling tailored security configurations.

Protocol Enhancements

CS104 Slave Updates:

  • Commands with IOA fixed to 0 are now validated, addressing LIB8705-101.
  • Improved compliance with IEC 60870-5-604:2016 test case 5.3.2.70 (LIB8705-97) by ensuring S messages are sent only after receiving STOPDT-ACT when unconfirmed I messages are pending.
  • CS101 Slave in Unbalanced Mode: Updated behavior for the FCB bit to ensure correct operation (LIB8705-104).
  • Default Behavior Changes:
    • Support for C_TS_NA_1 in CS104 is now disabled by default, simplifying configurations.
  • Time Handling Improvements: Monotonic time is now used for timers when the platform supports it (LIB8705-87).

Stability and Performance Fixes

CS104 Connection Enhancements:

  • Resolved a potential deadlock issue when sending commands/ASDUs (LIB8705-52, #134).
  • Fixed a race condition where the connection could close unexpectedly if initiated by the peer (#147).
  • Resolved a lock-release issue in error cases (LIB8705-138).

CS104 Server Fixes:

  • Addressed invalid read errors during MasterConnection_deactivate calls (LIB8705-54).
  • Resolved server-side connection closures when receiving S messages in an inactive state (LIB8705-55).

Other Fixes:

  • Corrected initialization issues in StepCommand_create (I651CL-22).
  • Fixed test pattern issues for TestCommand (I651CL-25).
  • Resolved an issue where the k parameter from user configuration was not applied.
  • Enhanced handling of the pending unconfirmed stopped state (LIB8705-83).

Why Upgrade to Version 2.3.3?

This release represents a significant step forward in security, compliance, and stability. With support for TLS 1.3, customizable security settings, and critical bug fixes, version 2.3.3 ensures that your systems are not only reliable but also future-proof.

Whether you’re deploying IEC 60870 solutions in a mission-critical environment or optimizing communication across industrial systems, this update delivers the tools you need for success.

How to Get the Update

Existing customers with a valid Maintenance & Support (M&S) contract can download the latest version of the IEC 60870 library directly from our customer portal. If you’re not currently subscribed to M&S, please contact us to renew your contract and gain access to this and future updates.

We’re Here to Help

If you have questions about this update or need assistance with integration, don’t hesitate to reach out. At MZ automation, we’re committed to supporting your industrial automation needs.

Introducing IEC 61850 Library V1.6.0 – Now Available

We’re excited to announce the release of IEC 61850 Library V1.6.0, which brings several key improvements and new features aimed at enhancing functionality and security. This version has been developed to meet the latest standards, ensuring optimal performance and compliance.

Key Enhancements:

  • Reworked array handling: Every array element is now a separate ModelNode instance.
  • New access control features: Supporting IEC 62351-8 compliant Role-Based Access Control (RBAC).
  • TLS 1.3 support: Available when compiled with mbedtls 3.6, while mbedtls 2.28 can still be used.

New Features:

  • IED Server:
    • Additional callbacks for controlling external access to the data model (for RBAC implementation).
    • Write access handler for array elements (LIB61850-437).
    • New function: IedServer_handleWriteAccessForDataObject.
    • Retrieve the timestamp of received commands with ControlAction_getT (LIB61850-422).
    • Configuration options to make RCB elements read-only (LIB61850-404).
  • IED Client:
    • Added function: IedClientError_toString.
    • New asynchronous functions for handling RCB values: IedConnection_setRCBValuesAsync and IedConnection_getRCBValuesAsync (LIB61850-334).
  • Java Tools: Now support timestamp Val elements.
  • .NET API: Added SetReportSetting and GetReportSetting functions to IedServerConfig (LIB61850-404).

Security Enhancements:

  • TLS 1.3: Improved support, ensuring secure communication channels.

Additional Beta Features:

  • Support for R-GOOSE and R-SV.
  • SNTP client code.

Please note that IEC 61850 Library V1.6.0 is not backward compatible with previous versions. If you’re upgrading, you’ll need to regenerate static model code and adapt dynamically generated data models for the new array element structure.

If you prefer not to publish your own source code due to GPLv3 licensing requirements, a commercial license is available. Contact us via our company website for pricing and further details.

For a detailed overview of all the new features, changes, and technical information, visit the official release notes on our company website.