Is IPv6 Ready for the Smart Grid?

Abstract

Smart grids are progressively adopting the Internet Protocol (IP) as underlying convergence layer for the communication within and among smart grid domains. The need to interconnect millions of devices calls for the use of IPv6, which holds the key for the establishment of well-structured routing-efficient large scale networks. But smart grids are critical infrastructures and have high security demands. When deploying IPv6 in smart grid environments, we need to take care of IPv6 specific security concerns and adjust security measures to the needs of smart grid installations. In this paper we discuss IPv6 features and mechanisms with respect to their applicability to smart grid environments and provide guidelines for the establishment of a secure smart grid communication infrastructure based on IPv6.