# Remote Terminal Unit

Operations · `remote terminal unit` · verification: source checked

A remote terminal unit (RTU) is a computer with radio interfacing used in remote situations where communications via wire is unavailable. It is usually used to communicate with remote field equipment. PLCs with radio communication capabilities are also used in place of RTUs.

## Specification

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Kind | system |
| Origin | NIST SP 800-82r3 (from NISTIR 6859) |

## Study notes

- Definition source: NIST SP 800-82r3, from NISTIR 6859.
- PLCs with radio communication capabilities can substitute for RTUs.

## Sources

1. [remote terminal unit - Glossary | CSRC](https://csrc.nist.gov/glossary/term/remote_terminal_unit) (accessed 2026-10-25)

---

Source page: https://machineschema.com/operational/rtu  
JSON: https://machineschema.com/operational/rtu.json  
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite Machine Schema and the original sources.