A secure communications system protects the end-to-end physical pathway that transports data from origin to destination. That pathway may involve different transmission methods, such as optical fiber, copper wire, and wireless technologies; transport diverse data, including grid state information and control messaging; and use a variety of analog and digital formats. Securing this end-to-end communications pathway—which is essential for reliable grid operations—involves preventing unauthorized access and monitoring traffic to identify anomalous activity without compromising the integrity, availability and confidentiality of the data. Communications security methods complement cybersecurity approaches used to protect data at origin and destination.
The mission of the SPaRC program is to support grid communications research and development by providing technology testing and industry education to ensure the next generation electric grid is implemented with secure, resilient communications systems in place.
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