Carrier-Grade Security for Smart Grid Networks
SMART GRID NEEDS
The evolution of a traditional utilities delivery model to the Smart Grid architecture brings a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. Innovation and standardization are helping in the paradigm shift. Nonetheless, it is a complex problem as it involves interaction between a multitude of devices and systems. The two focal points of the Smart Grid are the intelligence in the network and the communication between the entities. The Smart Grid enables the transition from traditional and manual methods of recording and delivery to complete automation.
The communication backbone thus becomes an integral part of the Smart Grid enabling a reliable network of data transfer between several thousands of interconnected meters, aggregators and backend systems. Several choices for the underlying transports exist, including cellular, broadband, WiMAX and Wi-Fi. IntelliNet Technologies is a partner which can help in augmenting your metering, T&D and consumer management solutions with the communication backbone.
The Smart Grid architecture brings two main communication networks: AMI/Smart-metering and consumer management. Securing the data flow for both network types is imperative. The pivotal change that the Smart Grid architecture extends to traditional transmission and distribution is the necessity for intelligent metering devices to connect to the utilities/ISO networks. This has to be done in a reliable and secure manner complying to the NIST and FIPS standards. This implies that the algorithms for encryption must be quite robust.
The metering devices follow population patterns. They can be densely or remotely located. The ability to backhaul data to these devices from the utility/ISO networks therefore needs to optimize the telecom network. Consequently, the need to interwork with Cellular, Wi-Fi and WiMAX backhauls becomes essential as well. The traffic characteristics are not as intense as telecommunication data and enterprise networks, yet the sessions with the metering devices in the AMI can be quite lengthy. Thus the gateway devices must be able to handle a large volume of concurrent sessions.
It is important to observe the protocols with the devices. For instance, if communication is lost to the metering devices , the server must initiate a reconnect. This is in contrast to typical security systems where the clients will reconnect. Dead peer detection becomes a vital element since T&D should not get impacted for optimal delivery. Consumer management systems aggregate the consumer related parameters and lifestyle data to communicate over broadband pipes to portals or utility headends. Once again the data needs to be secured through encryption.
AZAIRE WSG Security Gateway
The Azaire WSG (Wireless Services Gateway) is a gateway designed for the integration of hybrid networks into the mobile operator core network for seamless service delivery. The gateway provides the integration of several thousand metering and consumer devices and securing the data flow. The Azaire WSG is based on the Advanced TCA hardware platform. It is designed to support both broadband access and cellular radio access networks.