Research in security of optic-based Information Communication architecture for next generation power system applications

As power industry enters the new century, powerful driving forces, uncertainties and new functions are compelling electric utilities to make dramatic changes in their information communication infrastructure. Optical networks no doubt will become the predominant data transmission media for next generation power system communication. Based on advanced fiber optic technologies, an optic-based Information Communication Infrastructure (OICI) is first investigated and proposed. Like any other networked solution, OICI, the combination of power grid applications and optical networks is not risk free. Then the vulnerability factors of real-time information applications in power system are disscussed. More especially, this paper present a systematic analysis of the security factors of OICI´s physical layer, i.e. all-fiber communication networks. Finally, some methods for detecting intentional attacks upon the infrastructure are reviewed and a discussion of limitations and unsolved problems is provided.