Utility Ethernet network architecture: Networked Electrical eXchange Topology-NEXT

Abstract

Critical infrastructure networks serving electrical power systems across geographical transmission and distribution tiers using Ethernet or IP based protocols require electrical utility network architectural concepts and approaches suited to electrical circuit protection, control, instrumentation and automation. A private Utility Ethernet Layer 2 switched network mixed with WDM serving medium and wide area geographic regions whose domains are aligned with electrical transmission and distribution circuit system services is recommended. Architecture philosophy is described as Networked Electrical eXchanges Typology (NEXT) an original concept to direct and define network service domains and actors in alignment with electrical circuit elements to create static logical links reliant on switching at the access and aggregation levels. NEXT concepts reduce penetration of Layer 3 or Label routing at the networks access edge reducing circuit element network threat exposure improving NERC CIP compliance. Layer 2 MAN and WAN NEXT architectural approaches further improve network synchronized performance and enable WAN distribution of common network timing through IEEE 1588 and SyncE Ethernet Precision Time Protocols (PTP). NEXT architectural concepts are intended to advance and prepare for grid automation and evolve into future distributed intelligence systems compared with today's centralized control and operations.