Service-Based, Segmented, 5G Network-Based Architecture for Securing Distributed Energy Resources

As the number of connected devices in the energy grid increases exponentially, particularly facilitated by modern communications standards such as 5G and beyond, so too does the cyberattack surface. However, 5G also includes features that can help mitigate certain cybersecurity risks.

This paper proposes a new service-based network architecture implementing network slicing capabilities for connected systems and devices to improve performance, availability, security, and reliability of grid devices and services. It considers the quality-of-service requirements and criticality of services needed for securely monitoring, operating, and securing distributed energy resource devices.