Understanding Key Information Technology Standards: Wireless Metering, OPC UA, and EV Communication

Valentina Bosenko
Feb 16
6 min read

In today’s rapidly digitizing world, Information Technology standards form the backbone of productivity, security, and scalable operations across industries. Whether it’s intelligent energy metering, seamless industrial automation, or advanced vehicle-to-grid communications, adherence to international IT standards is no longer optional—it’s a must-have for future-proof business. This guide explores four pivotal standards: EN 13757-4:2025 for wireless meter communication, EN IEC 62541-3:2026 and EN IEC 62541-5:2026 for OPC Unified Architecture in industrial automation, and SIST EN ISO 15118-21:2025 for electric vehicle communication with the grid. We cut through technical jargon to explain why these standards are changing the game for companies, boosting efficiency, safeguarding data, and enabling seamless scaling.

Overview / Introduction

In modern Information Technology, interoperability, security, and performance are critical. Compliance with international standards like those governing open systems interconnection (OSI), wireless communication, and machine-to-machine protocols ensures smooth data flow, device compatibility, and secure transactions. This article aims to demystify four essential standards that support smart metering, industrial systems integration, and the ongoing transformation in electric mobility. You’ll discover:

The scope and requirements of each standard
Who benefits from implementing them
Practical, real-world impact on business operations
Key steps to ensure compliance and reap maximum advantage

Whether you’re a technology manager, utility provider, systems integrator, or automotive innovator, understanding—and applying—these specifications is key to driving reliable, scalable, and secure digital infrastructure.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN 13757-4:2025 - Wireless M-Bus Communication

Communication systems for meters – Part 4: Wireless M-Bus communication (CEN)

This standard defines requirements for the physical and link layer parameters enabling remote wireless reading of meters, primarily using short-range device (SRD) unlicensed frequency bands. It encompasses systems for walk-by, drive-by, and fixed installations, offering flexibility for various smart metering scenarios. The specification details modes of operation, encoding schemes, frame formats, timing, error correction, encryption, and frequencies, ensuring compatibility and security for large-scale meter deployments.

Key requirements and features include:

Support for multiple M-Bus modes (S, T, R2, C, N, F), each tailored for different range, power, and communication needs
Robust data encoding and preamble synchronization for resilience against interference
Advanced security with AES-128 counter mode encryption and CRC error checking
Defined frequency allocations in unlicensed bands (e.g., 868 MHz and 169 MHz)
Versatile installation support: walk-by, drive-by, or installed networks

Who should comply:

Utilities (water, heat, gas, electricity meter vendors and operators)
Companies deploying smart city infrastructure
System integrators in energy management

Practical implications:

Streamlined remote data collection reduces manual labor and errors
Better energy usage analytics
Enhanced security against data tampering or interception

Key highlights:

Multi-mode support: S, T, R2, C, N, F for different scenarios
Secure communication with advanced encryption and error correction
Backward-compatible with previous M-Bus standards

Access the full standard: View EN 13757-4:2025 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 62541-3:2026 - OPC Unified Architecture: Address Space Model

OPC Unified Architecture – Part 3: Address Space Model (CLC)

This pivotal standard underpins interoperability in industrial automation via the OPC UA framework. Part 3 introduces the meta model for OPC UA AddressSpace and its Objects, establishing a common structure for device, system, and enterprise integration. The 2026 edition brings significant additions—interfaces, add-ins, richer metadata, and refined security attributes—enhancing adaptability and information modeling power. This standard is the foundation for all OPC UA-based information models.

Key requirements and specifications include:

Detailed description of NodeClasses (Object, Variable, Method, etc.) and ReferenceTypes
Support for user- and role-based permissions and fine-grained access control
Introduction of interfaces and add-ins for greater modularity/mix-in capabilities
Metadata such as currency, method argument details, and new data types for configuration/versioning
Improved event modeling and notification rules
Deprecated legacy naming rules for simplified evolution

Who needs to comply:

Industrial automation solution vendors and engineers
Plant operators managing diverse equipment
Software developers building on OPC UA

Practical implications:

Consistent structure for device and system data
Uniform security and role management across the network
Future-proofed integration in complex, hybrid environments

Key highlights:

Enhanced modularity via interfaces and add-ins
Granular access and security controls
Foundation for scalable industrial information models

Access the full standard: View EN IEC 62541-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN IEC 62541-5:2026 - OPC Unified Architecture: Information Model

OPC Unified Architecture – Part 5: Information Model (CLC)

Part 5 of the OPC UA suite defines the standardized information model, essential for harmonizing data representation across industrial devices, applications, and systems. The 2026 update reflects evolutionary improvements: migration of annexes to new standards, new data types, models for interfaces, add-ins, ordered lists, audit events, redundancy, and precise version control. It broadens coverage and simplifies integration for rapidly evolving digital factories and process plants.

Key requirements and features include:

Updated and expanded object and data type definitions to match the latest industrial needs
Models supporting capabilities such as session/subscription limits and portable identifiers
Support for interface and add-in modeling, allowing flexible device capability extension
Support for method metadata, audit events, versioning, and redundancy scenarios
Closure of legacy annexes with migration to focused standards for longevity
Rich event and data analytics capabilities

Who should comply:

Manufacturers of industrial automation products
System integrators using OPC UA frameworks
Development teams building Industry 4.0 solutions

Practical implications:

Reduces integration costs for new equipment
Enables plug-and-play for production lines
Enhances data transparency and traceability

Key highlights:

Comprehensive information and data type modeling
Powerful capabilities for monitoring, redundancy, and traceability
Equipped for dynamic, modular industrial environments

Access the full standard: View EN IEC 62541-5:2026 on iTeh Standards

SIST EN ISO 15118-21:2025 - Vehicle to Grid Communication Interface: 2nd Generation Conformance Test Plan

Road vehicles – Vehicle to grid communication interface – Part 21: Common 2nd generation network layer and application layer requirements conformance test plan (ISO 15118-21:2025)

This standard specifies a comprehensive abstract test suite (ATS) for evaluating system conformance to the latest-generation network and application layer requirements for electric vehicle (EV) and supply equipment communication controllers. Covering all charging scenarios—AC, DC, automated conductive, and wireless—this document ensures protocol implementations meet the robust interoperability requirements defined in ISO 15118-20. It covers both static (capability) and dynamic (behavior) conformance, upholding system security, compatibility, and data integrity.

Key requirements and features include:

Detailed architecture for conformance test systems
Protocol test cases spanning OSI Layers 3–7 (network to application layers)
Mandatory compliance for both EV onboard units (EVCC) and charging station controllers (SECC)
Excludes performance, robustness, and physical characteristics testing to focus on communication compliance
Includes references to external normative specifications (IETF RFCs, W3C) only where relevant

Who should comply:

Electric vehicle manufacturers and suppliers
Charging infrastructure vendors
Compliance labs and test system developers

Practical implications:

Ensures multi-vendor EV charging system interoperability
Reduces post-deployment issues through conformance-based validation
Boosts user trust in EV charging networks and V2G integration

Key highlights:

Covers all common network and application layer scenarios for next-gen V2G
Ensures security, integrity, and consistent communication
Integral for type approval and certification of EV charging solutions

Access the full standard: View SIST EN ISO 15118-21:2025 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

In today’s digital ecosystem, these standards have a transformative effect across industries:

Productivity: Streamlined data collection, automation, and analytics mean faster, more accurate decisions.
Security: Enforced encryption, access control, and compliance checks drastically reduce vulnerability to data breaches and operational sabotage.
Scalability: Standard interfaces let organizations rapidly scale deployments—whether rolling out thousands of meters or automating multi-vendor production lines.
Interoperability: Common frameworks bridge the gap between devices, vendors, and applications for seamless integration.

Risks of Non-Compliance

Incompatibility between devices and systems from different vendors
Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks
Higher maintenance and integration costs
Regulatory fines and market exclusion

Benefits of Proactive Compliance

Lower operational costs through automation and remote management
Future-readiness for evolving regulatory landscapes and technological developments
Enhanced brand trust and market competitiveness

Implementation Guidance

Adopting these standards need not be daunting. These best practices simplify deployment:

Gap Assessment: Audit existing systems for compliance gaps
Stakeholder Training: Educate IT, operations, and engineering teams on the standard’s key concepts
Vendor Selection: Procure devices and solutions certified to these standards
Pilot Projects: Start with pilot implementations to validate interoperability and security
Documentation & Auditing: Maintain clear documentation and audit trails for compliance verification
Continuous Update: Stay current with standards amendments and emerging best practices via platforms like iTeh Standards

Resources to Get Started

Certified test labs and conformance test suites for systematic validation
Vendor documentation and cross-vendor working groups
Industry webinars, forums, and help desks for up-to-date guidance

Conclusion / Next Steps

Embracing international IT standards is the surest way to elevate productivity, security, and operational agility. The four standards profiled—EN 13757-4:2025, EN IEC 62541-3:2026, EN IEC 62541-5:2026, and SIST EN ISO 15118-21:2025—pave the path to a connected, secure, and scalable digital environment across metering, manufacturing, and mobility. Organizations that invest early reap rewards in efficiency, safety, and competitiveness. Explore these standards on iTeh Standards, consult with domain experts, and position your enterprise for the next wave of digital transformation.