On Using NDN to Vertically Secure Smart Power Distribution

Smart Grids is a modern adoption of power systems with the potential to revolutionize power distribution and management. In a general setting, a smart grid system is composed of multiple stakeholders who are involved in various operations including power generation, distribution and consumption. Effective, secure and trustworthy communication among these entities is crucial for the optimal operation of the system. Named Data Networking (NDN), the prominent Information Centric Networking (ICN) model provides a conducive architectural design to support the needs of this smart system. In this paper, we discuss data-centric security, data immutability and opportunistic in-network caching that are inherent features of NDN and enumerate the benefits and necessary accessories they provide for enhanced grid operation. We also see smart-grid as a viable system that can be built using NDN with the capability to provide the consumers with better quality of service (QoS), quality of experience (QoE) and most importantly vertical security.