An Introduction to the DNP3 SCADA Communications Protocol (Udemy.com)
Learn the fundamentals of the DNP3 SCADA protocol using both a theoretical and practical approach
Created by: Emile Ackbarali
Last updated May 2026
What you will learn
- SCADA Telemetry vs. Factory Automation
- DNP3 Design Principles
- Polling with Report By Exception
- Unsolicited with Report By Exception
- Quiescent Operation
- Configuration of FIU and RTU Settings
- Simulation of DNP3 Communication
- Data Representation and Network Messaging
- Implementation Levels and Standards
- DNP3 Data Frame Formats
- DNP3 Data Object Model
How it compares
Against the other 1,182 rated Udemy courses in IT & Software on CourseDuck:
- Rating4.6 out of 5higher than 67% of them
- Reviews490#586 of 1,183 by number of reviews
- Length2.5 hoursshorter than 77% of them
- Last updatedMay 2026more recently than 75% of them
Course Description
If you are involved or will be involved in data acquisition and control of equipment spread over large geographical areas, then you need to have a working knowledge of the DNP3 protocol.
If you work in the areas of Electrical Transmission and Distribution, Water and Waste Water Management, Oil/Gas or Security systems, then having a working knowledge of the DNP3 protocol is a significant asset.
This course has been designed with practicality in mind. At the end of this course, you will know how DNP3 devices represent data in memory and the types of messaging that they use to exchange data. You will also perform practical exercises using simulation software, allowing you to get first hand experience in configuring DNP3 devices for communications. Essentially, you will have a new practical skill in the field of SCADA Telemetry and Wide Area Communication.
Specifically, in this course, you will learn:
- The difference between SCADA and Factory Automation protocols.
- How DNP3 devices represent data in memory.
- DNP3 network messaging types..
- DNP3 terminology: RTU, FIU, Report By Exception, Polled and Unsolicited Communication.
- Configuration of settings in DNP3 devices.
- Configuration and simulation of DNP3 communication.
- Implementation levels and standards.
- DNP3 data frame formats.
and much more ...
Instructor Details
- 4.6 Rating
490 Reviews
Emile Ackbarali
I have been working in the fields of Software Development, Software Systems Integration and Process Automation since 1996. In 2003, I stepped out on my own and started working for myself providing software development and systems integration services to small and medium businesses.
Teaching has always been a passion for me. I have taught at the tertiary level for many years on the subjects of programming, control systems as well as systems integration. In the last few years I found myself incorporating more and more videos into the curriculum with amazing results.
When I heard of uDemy I just could not help but sign up. With teaching in a classroom, you can reach only so many students, but with uDemy you can reach the world! I plan to publish and promote as many courses as I possibly can on the uDemy platform.
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Reviews
By Arsalan Ashraf on 12/17/2025
Absolutely amazing course for the understanding the fundamentals of DNP3 industrial protocol. Very well explained with hands open source application testing included with the course. Kudos to the instructor.
By Craig Schreder on 11/22/2025
One of the best courses I have taken on Udemy. The explanations were all very clear, and each example was contextualized well in order to maximize understanding of the material. Would strongly recommend this course to anyone looking for a deeper understanding of DNP3.
By Vuyisa Nceba Mhlalase on 12/6/2022
You the best. Wow, i gained so much information in this course, i cnt believe it. I know how to set up DNP3 protocol between client and server. Please show me more videos on MUX protocol, how to send signals to HMI for transmission network in High voltage systerms.
By Rubén Galera Sobrino on 8/21/2022
In my opinion, the contents and the structure of this course are really wise. Definitely, the author, Emile Ackbarali, is a high expert and a good teacher, and this course is a good way to learn about the DNP3 protocol.
By Alhassan Ahmed on 7/16/2020
Brilliant presentation and explanation.Instructor shouldn't shy from diving into details of topics for fear of students not understanding;e.g in explanation of object parameters. You've some very curious students. Like any Emile course, I don't regret attending this course.
By Paul McCarthy on 7/6/2020
Interesting introduction to the DNP3 protocol. DNP3 data frames are in the course description and mentioned in a couple of videos, but these aren't covered at all. The course is still very informative and useful for anyone getting started with DNP3 and trying to get to grips with the basics. I would have liked to have seen more examples of sending commands to switch outputs, and to see practical applications rather than the very brief coverage given.
By Tasnim Ahmed on 4/14/2020
This course provides a good introduction to DNP3 Communication Protocol. It is ideal for someone looking to learn the basic knowledge of DNP3 Communication Protocol thanks to the software exercise and the instructor's presentation. However, a much more comprehensive course which digs deeper in this communication protocol would be appreciated.
By Steven Ralph Arbuckle on 4/8/2020
I like how the instructor teaches. It is very straight forward. I can outline as I go. I took this course to fill a prerequisite for the course on BACnet which is what I am learning about in order to add BACnet functionality to our existing product.
By Stefan Samarineanu on 2/13/2020
This course is meant for beginners, as the title already states, and I think it does a satisfactory job at that. Now, is everyone's guess how deep into the matter an introductory class should go. It certainly made me want to know more about the DNP3.
By Richard Kowalsky on 2/2/2020
Although I am not sure I will actually need this particular skill-set, having the background information and understanding of how it works is well worth the cost. I appreciate the depth, and clarity of the instruction. I wish all classes were this good.
Quality Score
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Overall Score : 92 / 100












