Benchmarking methodology for IP testing in industrial networks

This paper aims to describe a benchmarking methodology for testing the performance of IP protocols in industrial and control networks with regard to the deployment of Smart Grids. Based on the ITU recommendation and definitions, the paper summarizes the general communication requirements for ICT networks and confronts them with the requirements set out in the standards for specific types of industrial and control network implementations such as electrical power industry, water industry, transport industry, etc. The paper provides qualitative parameters, which aim to characterize the transmission characteristics of IP protocol based on confrontation of the communication requirements. It is necessary to define general data streams that are typical for industrial and control networks and measurement scenarios for measuring these transmission characteristics. Finally, the paper defines the minimum topology of test network and minimal configuration of network elements where the methodology for testing IP protocols is demonstrated.