Distributed feeder automation based on peer-to-peer data exchange between distribution remote terminal units(RTUs)needs standardized communication protocol and necessary security protection. This paper studies the communication mapping method of IEC 61850 with application of extensible message and presence protocol(XMPP)in distributed feeder automation system. The encryption mechanism of XMPP ensures the communication safety of distributed feeder automation. The transmission performance is tested and the transmission delay between distribution RTUs can meet the requirements of regional slow distributed feeder automation.