An intelligent electronic device is configured to receive and generate data formatted in accordance with Distributed Network Protocol 3.0 (DNP 3.0) through an Ethernet TCP/IP medium. The intelligent electronic metering device for communicating over a network via an open channel includes an adapter to coupled the electronic metering device to the network and to receive a message in a protocol of the network, wherein the adapter formats the message in a serial protocol; and a processor to receive the message from the adapter, generate a response to the message and transmit the response to the adapter, wherein the adapter formats the response in the protocol of the network and transmits the response over the network via an open channel.