The IEC 61850 2nd Edition standard adds and improves a lot of content for substation applications. Combined with the engineering application requirements of smart substations, new improvements of the information and communication service model in 2nd edition are analyzed in depth. Some improvements can solve the current problems in substation project implementation, and some help to enhance the operation and maintenance efficiency and management level. Aiming at the important automation functions in smart substations including control, setting, GOOSE and tracking service, an engineering application method based on 2nd edition information and communication service model is proposed, and problems that should be paid attention to in engineering applications are also discussed.