Security Challenges and Wireless Technology Choices in IoT-Based Smart Grids

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) smart grid enables many benefits to both customers and energy generators, such as improved outage visibility, billing, and cost reduction. It allows more efficient energy use through improved access to real-time data that supports customers in reducing their energy usage and improving environmental outcomes. Integrating IoT-based data networks into the grid brings these benefits and many more. However, security and performance challenges are introduced. With the plethora of current and emerging technologies, suitable technologies must be used in each network segment that provide a sufficient level of network performance. With the introduction of data networks to the grid, we must also consider what additional threats are introduced regarding network security. This work provides essential background information on the residential smart grid. Security risks and attacks that threaten the IoT smart grid are then identified. A discussion on security challenges and future research directions are presented. A review and discussion of relevant modern IoT transmission technologies covering their benefits, key performance metrics, and their appropriate place within the IoT-based smart grid is then presented.