Testbed on IT Communication in Smart Grid: A Cybersecurity Demonstration

Abstract

The cybersecurity analysis of Smart Grid in a holistic manner is an extremely difficult challenge. Especially since a lot of systems and technologies are integrated under the same umbrella. In our paper we illustrate the complexity of the current Smart Grid infrastructure, by presenting the ICT communication requirements as depicted in the Smart Grid Architecture Model. Moreover we propose a specific testbed where we illustrate that in order to provide a satisfactory level of security for the Advanced Metering infrastructure requires a complete analysis of the IT systems and the communication channel. The Advanced Meter Infrastructure interoperability and connectivity are fundamental components in the implementation of Smart Grid, principally for distributed energy resources. The security assessment of the cyberphysical systems found in Critical Infrastructures (CI) requires advanced experimental facilities and methodologies. In this work, an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) has been deployed in our lab facilities. For this purpose, a small scale system has been built and tested, which represents a real end-to-end system from the control center to the customers’ smart meters.