Software-Defined Networking for Smart Grid Resilience: Opportunities and Challenges

Dong, Xinshu; Lin, Hui; Tan, Rui; Iyer, Ravishankar K.; Kalbarczyk, Zbigniew

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/90446 Copy

Description

Title

Software-Defined Networking for Smart Grid Resilience: Opportunities and Challenges

Author(s)

• Dong, Xinshu
• Lin, Hui
• Tan, Rui
• Iyer, Ravishankar K.
• Kalbarczyk, Zbigniew

Issue Date

2015-02

Keyword(s)

• Software-defined networking
• Smart grids
• Resilience
• Cybersecurity
• Cyber-physical systems

Abstract

Software-defined networking (SDN) is an emerging networking paradigm that provides unprecedented flexibility in dynamically reconfiguring an IP network. It enables various applications, such as network management, quality of service (QoS) optimization, and system resilience enhancement. Pilot studies have investigated the possibilities of applying SDN on smart grid communications, while the specific benefits and risks that SDN may bring to the resilience of smart grids against accidental failures and malicious attacks remain largely unexplored. Without a systematic understanding of these issues and convincing validations of proposed solutions, the power industry will be unlikely to embrace SDN, since resilience is always a key consideration for critical infrastructures like power grids. In this position paper, we aim to provide an initial understanding of these issues, by investigating (1) how SDN can enhance the resilience of typical smart grids to malicious attacks, (2) additional risks introduced by SDN and how to manage them, and (3) how to validate and evaluate SDN-based resilience solutions. Our goal is also to trigger more profound discussions on applying SDN to smart grids and inspire innovative SDN-based solutions for enhancing smart grid resilience.

Publisher

Coordinated Science Laboratory, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Series/Report Name or Number

Coordinated Science Laboratory Report no. UILU-ENG-15-2203

Type of Resource

text

Language

en

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90446

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

Agency for Science, Technology and Research; National Science Foundation (OCI-1032889); Department of Energy (DE-OE0000097)

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