Unlocking Productivity and Security: A Guide to Key Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) IT Standards

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) information technology standards serve as the backbone for secure, interoperable, and scalable digital infrastructures in today’s connected world. From advanced metering to industrial automation and the future of electric mobility, these four pivotal standards—EN 13757-4:2025, EN IEC 62541-3:2026, EN IEC 62541-5:2026, and SIST EN ISO 15118-21:2025—guide organizations in building robust systems that propel productivity, resilience, and business growth.

Overview

Modern businesses and technology leaders operate in an era of unprecedented connectivity, data-driven processes, and ever-evolving security challenges. The need for reliable, standardized communication frameworks is at the heart of innovation and operational excellence. This is where the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) standards for information technology come into play—offering a universal language and process to ensure seamless system integration, interoperability, and compliance.

By implementing key OSI standards, companies can:

• Accelerate productivity by enabling automation and reducing integration friction
• Enhance security through standardized, tested protocols and frameworks
• Scale with confidence knowing new systems and partners can be integrated easily
• Boost interoperability between equipment, software, and platforms across vendors
• Foster innovation and modernization in smart metering, industrial control, and electric vehicle infrastructure

This guide explores four leading OSI standards, providing a clear and concise summary for decision-makers and technology professionals as well as newcomers to the field.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN 13757-4:2025 – Wireless M-Bus Communication for Metering

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

The EN 13757-4:2025 standard specifies the physical and link layer requirements for wireless M-Bus communication systems, pivotal in smart metering infrastructure. Designed for use in unlicensed Short Range Device (SRD) bands, the standard supports scenarios from walk-by and drive-by meter reading to fixed, automated installations.

Key requirements and specifications:

• Defines operation across multiple radio modes (S, T, R2, C, N, F), each tailored for specific metering scenarios and range needs
• Covers data encoding, preamble, synchronization, error correction (CRC and FEC), and session management
• Delineates frame structures and protocol for secure, reliable communication and link management
• Specified for use by water, gas, heat, and electricity metering systems, as well as ancillary sensors (e.g., smoke detectors)
• Ensures compatibility with higher OSI protocol layers, supporting flexible, scalable system design

Who should comply:

• Utilities and service providers deploying smart metering (electricity, water, gas, district heating)
• Manufacturers of metering devices and data concentrators
• Integrators and software vendors providing smart meter network solutions

Implementation implications:

• Enhances data collection efficiency, routing accuracy, and network reliability
• Reduces manual meter reading costs and errors
• Facilitates integration with energy management, billing, and analytics platforms

Notable features:

• Comprehensive support for European SRD frequency allocations
• Supports AES-128 counter mode encryption for data confidentiality
• Management functions for dynamic radio parameter adjustment

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

EN IEC 62541-3:2026 – OPC UA Address Space Model

OPC unified architecture – Part 3: Address Space Model

EN IEC 62541-3:2026 forms the foundation of the OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA), detailing the Address Space Model. This is the blueprint by which objects, variables, methods, and relationships within an OPC UA server are represented and organized, underpinning data exchange and system interoperability in industrial automation and IoT.

Scope and requirements:

• Describes how the address space is structured and how nodes (objects, variables, methods, etc.) are interrelated
• Defines node classes, attributes, reference types, and rules for subtyping and instantiation
• Manages concepts such as interfaces, add-ins, and event models, expanding possibilities for extensibility
• Includes technical updates: method metadata, currency handling, view/event notifier improvements, and reference type updates
• Applies robust datatype, security, access control, and namespace mechanisms

Target industries:

• Industrial automation
• Smart manufacturing/Industry 4.0
• Process control, SCADA systems, and industrial IoT solution providers

Implementation insights:

• Empowers digital twins and advanced data models within industrial systems
• Lays groundwork for scalable, vendor-neutral interoperability across heterogeneous devices
• Supports access control, browsing, and dynamic data interaction

Notable features:

• Well-defined node hierarchy, reference types, and inheritance mechanisms
• Support for cross-platform interoperability and integration
• Updated event handling and security access features

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

EN IEC 62541-5:2026 – OPC UA Information Model

OPC unified architecture – Part 5: Information Model

Building on the address space, EN IEC 62541-5:2026 specifies the information model for OPC UA systems. The information model standardizes the fundamental types, properties, relationships, and methods used throughout systems to ensure meaningful, consistent data exchange and interoperability.

Key content:

• Defines standard object types, variable types, data types, and reference types
• Details the structure and hierarchy of event types for comprehensive event monitoring and auditing
• Includes new capabilities: currency information, advanced interfaces, add-ins, and configuration management
• Lays out method metadata for robust, self-describing interactions
• Supports redundancy, ordered lists, and extended capability specification for scalable system design

Intended audience:

• Automation system architects and OPC UA implementers
• IT/OT system integrators
• Vendors and users deploying open, scalable industrial communication infrastructures

Practical benefits:

• Enables rich data context for analytics, digital twins, and smart automation
• Secures interoperability at both structural and semantic levels
• Eases system integration, simulation, and validation of complex industrial environments

Notable features:

• Comprehensive event and diagnostics model, supporting security and operational insight
• Harmonization with new and updated IEC standards
• Actionable guide for extending information models as technologies evolve

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

SIST EN ISO 15118-21:2025 – Vehicle-to-Grid Communication Conformance Test Plan

Road vehicles – Vehicle to grid communication interface – Part 21: Common 2nd generation network layer and application layer requirements conformance test plan

SIST EN ISO 15118-21:2025 addresses the conformance requirements for the network and application layers of the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication interface. It provides a comprehensive test suite for electric vehicle communication controllers (EVCC) and supply equipment controllers (SECC), fostering reliable, interoperable EV charging ecosystems.

Core provisions:

• Defines abstract test cases for verifying system conformance to ISO 15118-20’s communication protocol (independent of AC, DC, ACD, or wireless power transfer)
• Covers both capability and dynamic behavior testing, focusing on observable functions and protocol compliance
• Addresses OSI layers 3–7, ensuring comprehensive coverage of network and application layer exchanges
• Specifies a standardized test architecture, including system under test adapters and message scenarios
• Strictly scoped to protocol testing for interoperability—performance, robustness, and physical implementation are outside its remit

Target users:

• Automotive OEMs and electric vehicle charging equipment manufacturers
• Test labs and certification bodies
• Smart grid and infrastructure suppliers integrating EV charging

Impact on implementation:

• Assures that EVs and charging infrastructure can communicate reliably and securely, crucial for grid integration
• Facilitates trust in interoperability, safety, and future scalability of smart mobility systems
• Provides a foundation for certification and quality assurance in V2G communications

Notable features:

• Tests applicable to all charging types and international markets
• Supports future-proofing as standards evolve with the electrification of transport
• Integrates references to related IETF and W3C protocols as needed

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

Industry Impact & Compliance

Implementing the OSI-aligned IT standards outlined here yields multi-layered benefits and competitive advantages for businesses:

Productivity

• Automation and remote management: Streamlines operational workflows and resource allocation (smart meter readings, automated process control)
• Consistency: Standardized data structures and models mean less time spent resolving integration issues
• Collaboration-ready: Open standards foster easier cross-company and cross-industry partnerships

Security

• Standardized protection: Use of proven encryption and access controls (e.g., AES-128, OPC UA user permissions)
• Reduced vulnerabilities: Relying on internationally recognized, tested protocols
• Compliance assurance: Meets or exceeds sectoral and regulatory cybersecurity requirements

Scalability

• Interoperability by design: Supports modular growth—new equipment, systems, and technologies can join the network with minimal customization
• Vendor independence: Mitigates lock-in risks, allowing businesses to pick best-in-class solutions

Risks of Non-Compliance

• Security breaches or data leaks
• High maintenance and integration costs
• Regulatory setbacks or missed opportunities in markets mandating recognized standards
• Poor user/customer experiences from unreliable or inconsistent system performance

Implementation Guidance

Adopting these standards effectively involves:

1. Assessment: Map existing systems and workflows against the standard requirements.
2. Planning: Develop a strategic roadmap integrating standards adoption with digital transformation initiatives.
3. Training: Invest in staff training and skills development for standard-compliant system design and maintenance.
4. Systems Integration: Work with vendors and solution providers experienced in OSI and related IT standards to ensure seamless deployment.
5. Testing and Certification: Engage in conformance tests (e.g., as per SIST EN ISO 15118-21) to ensure interoperability and quality.
6. Continuous Evaluation: Stay current with revisions; standards like OPC UA are periodically updated to address new challenges and technologies.

Best Practices:

• Favor modular, scalable solutions for growth
• Build in redundancy and security from the outset
• Leverage reference implementations and community resources
• Prioritize vendor-neutral solutions where possible

Resources:

• Engage with national and international standards bodies
• Bookmark trusted sources like iTeh Standards for updates and documentation

Conclusion / Next Steps

Modern enterprises can unlock new levels of efficiency, security, and innovation by systematically adopting Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) information technology standards. From smarter utilities and factories to seamless vehicle-to-grid integration, these specifications are the critical foundation for reliable, interoperable, and scalable digital infrastructure.

Key takeaways:

• These standards are a must-have investment for forward-looking IT and operations leaders
• Implementation boosts productivity, security, and business agility while simplifying integration and compliance
• The risk of non-adoption is amplified in today’s fast-changing technological and regulatory landscape

Recommendation: Explore the referenced standards in-depth, identify your compliance and business improvement opportunities, and tap into specialized expertise when designing or upgrading your IT systems. Stay up-to-date—true digital transformation starts with strong, internationally recognized foundations.

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