Overview
IEC TS 62056-1-1:2016 is a Technical Specification that provides a reusable template for DLMS/COSEM communication profile standards used in electricity metering data exchange. Rather than specifying a communication technology itself, this TS defines the recommended table of contents, clause structure and guidance for creating IEC 62056 profile standards that explain how the DLMS/COSEM application and COSEM data model are applied over specific lower-layer communication technologies. The template aims to improve readability and accelerate the development of consistent communication profile standards for smart metering.
Key topics and requirements
The document organizes and gives guidance for the following technical topics:
- Scope and normative references – defining what the profile will and will not cover, and which IEC documents are indispensable.
- Targeted communication environments – identifying WAN/NN/LN segments and deployment contexts.
- Use of communication layers – templates for mapping DLMS/COSEM to lower protocol layers (physical, MAC, transport).
- Structure of communication profiles – recommended clause/subclause layout for profiles.
- Registration, connection and addressing – identification schemes, addressing, SAPs and connection management.
- Application-layer services – guidance on ACSE-based association establishment/release, xDLMS services, long-message transfer and media-specific considerations.
- Security and performance considerations – high-level guidance on security mechanisms, bandwidth, timing and media-access constraints.
- Configuration and management – recommended content for operational configuration and management clauses.
- COSEM application process and examples – pointers to COSEM process descriptions, informative examples and annexes for interface classes and OBIS codes.
Practical applications and who uses it
This TS is primarily a tooling and editorial resource for:
- Standards developers and national committees creating IEC 62056 communication profile standards for specific communication technologies (e.g., cellular, PLC, IP).
- Utility architects and system integrators who need to map DLMS/COSEM to transport layers and ensure interoperability across WAN/NN/LN segments.
- Meter manufacturers and device vendors preparing or validating product conformance documentation that references DLMS/COSEM communication profiles.
- Test houses and certification bodies that evaluate conformance to profile standards structured according to IEC 62056 guidance.
Practical benefits include consistent structure across profile standards, clearer guidance on how DLMS/COSEM services are mapped to communication stacks, and reduced effort when producing new profiles.
Related standards
Standards normatively referenced by the template (useful context for implementers):
Keywords: IEC TS 62056-1-1:2016, DLMS/COSEM, communication profile template, electricity metering, smart metering, COSEM data model, application layer, communication layers, OBIS.