This part of IEC 61850 specifies a method of exchanging time-critical and non-time-critical data through local-area networks by mapping ACSI to MMS and ISO/IEC 8802-3 frames.

MMS services and protocol are specified to operate over full OSI and TCP compliant communications profiles. The use of MMS allows provisions for supporting both centralized and distributed architectures. This standard includes the exchange of real-time data indications, control operations, report notification.

It specifies the mapping of the objects and services of the ACSI (Abstract Communication Service Interface, IEC 61850-7-2) to MMS (Manufacturing Message Specification, ISO 9506) and ISO/IEC 8802-3 frames.

This standard also specifies the mapping of time-critical information exchanges to non-MMS protocol. The protocol semantics are defined in IEC 61850-7-2. It contains the protocol syntax, definition, mapping to ISO/IEC 8802-3 frame formats and any relevant procedures specific to the use of ISO/IEC 8802-3.

This mapping of ACSI to MMS defines how the concepts, objects, and services of the ACSI are to be implemented using MMS concepts, objects, and services. This mapping allows interoperability across functions implemented by different manufacturers.

This part of IEC 61850 defines a standardized method of using the ISO 9506 services to implement the exchange of data. For those ACSI services defined in IEC 61850-7-2 that are not mapped to MMS, this part defines additional protocols. It describes real utility devices with respect to their external visible data and behaviour using an object oriented approach. The objects are abstract in nature and may be used to a wide variety of applications. The use of this mapping goes far beyond the application in the utility communications.

This part of IEC 61850 provides mappings for the services and objects specified within IEC 61850-7-2, IEC 61850-7-3, and IEC 61850-7-4.