Overview
EN 62056-8-6:2017 defines the DLMS/COSEM communication profile for High Speed Power Line Communication (HS-PLC) based on ISO/IEC 12139-1, targeted at neighbourhood networks used in smart metering. Published by CLC/CENELEC and identical to IEC 62056-8-6:2017, the standard specifies how DLMS/COSEM stacks should operate over HS-PLC media to enable reliable electricity metering data exchange across neighbourhood-level PLC links.
Keywords: EN 62056-8-6:2017, DLMS/COSEM, HS-PLC, ISO/IEC 12139-1, neighbourhood networks, powerline communication, smart metering.
Key Topics
- Scope and target environments: Defines intended use for neighbourhood HS-PLC topologies in smart metering systems.
- Layered communication profile: Describes mapping of DLMS/COSEM application layers to lower layers (PHY and MAC) defined by ISO/IEC 12139-1.
- Physical (PHY) and MAC layer usage: Guidance on using the HS-PLC PHY/MAC for DLMS traffic in neighbourhood networks.
- Service mapping and adaptation layers: Specifications for CPAS (convergence/protocol adaptation), IP SSAS (IP service specific adaptation), and HDLC SSAS (HDLC service adaptation).
- Addressing and identification: Schemes for device identification, addressing and OBIS/COSEM object mapping in PLC neighbourhoods.
- Connection and session management: Registration, association establishment (ACSE), connection management and transfer of long application messages.
- Security and operational considerations: High-level coverage of security mechanisms, bandwidth, timing and media access constraints specific to HS-PLC.
- Implementation objects and examples: Annex B defines COSEM interface classes for HS-PLC setup; Annex A provides IP and HDLC examples for practical implementation and testing.
Applications
- Smart metering deployment: Enables interoperable meter-to-concentrator or meter-to-gateway communications in neighbourhood PLC networks.
- Utility communications and AMI: Useful for utilities implementing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) over existing powerline networks.
- Device manufacturers and PLC modem vendors: Reference for integrating DLMS/COSEM stacks with ISO/IEC 12139-1 HS-PLC modems.
- System integrators and test labs: Basis for test cases, conformance testing and network configuration for neighbourhood PLC topologies.
Who uses it: utilities, meter manufacturers, PLC modem vendors, system integrators, standards bodies and certification labs.
Related Standards
- EN/IEC 62056-1-0 (DLMS/COSEM framework)
- EN/IEC 62056-4-7, 5-3, 6-1, 6-2, 7-6, 9-7 and 46 (related DLMS/COSEM parts)
- ISO/IEC 12139-1 (HS-PLC PHY/MAC)
- Relevant IETF and IEEE specs referenced for IP, IPv6 and header compression
This standard is essential when implementing DLMS/COSEM over high-speed PLC for neighbourhood-level smart metering and ensures interoperable, standards-based meter data exchange.