Remote - Fall 2016 - 13

Feature Article * * * * * Self-Healing Technology - When a link between active nodes becomes disrupted in wireless mesh architecture, the mesh routers identify the problem and automatically switch to an alternative path, effectively routing around the disruption. If the wireless mesh network within the substation is part of a larger mesh communication network, the mesh can serve as a backup communication link into/out of the substation in the event that saboteurs cut fiber optic or copper cables at the substation. Multiple-Bands - Having access to multiple radio channels and bands builds in redundancy. If there is interference on one channel or band, routers can immediately switch to another. Automatic Interference Avoidance - By deploying automatic interference avoidance software, a wireless communication network can find and use a clean chunk of spectrum in real-time mitigating interference, whether from other legitimate spectrum users or malicious jammers. Multi-Layer Security - As with wired networks, wireless networks need to be ready for anything. By deploying a multilayer, defense-in-depth security model with login reporting, evil-twin monitoring, denial of service (DoS) identification, and compliance reporting, utilities can mitigate vulnerabilities. Increased Physical Security - Unlike narrowband SCADA radio and cellular data offerings, wireless mesh network routers provide the performance and reliability needed to support physical security applications at transmission and distribution substations. What Components Would be Hardest to Repair or Replace? Thankfully, not all attacks are so damaging that they require complete replacement of equipment. For example, if an attacker were to disable a transformer's cooling systems, substation monitoring can alert the utility to a problem so they can reroute power and reduce the load on the compromised assets before any real damage occurs. Once power is safely rerouted, the focus turns to repairs. ABB maintains designs for over 70 percent of the transformers in use today, and can help utilities find equivalent replacement parts, even for equipment that hasn't been manufactured in years. Another path to quicker recovery is designing modular transformers, making them faster to manufacture, easier to transport and faster to install. Ultimately, wake-up call incidents that have been reported on nationally have given utilities the needed push to assess and act on vulnerabilities that critical assets face every day in the field. Of course, physical attacks aren't the only threat to the grid - cyber threats and natural disasters contribute to grid instability, too, making a multifaceted approach needed to enhance grid resiliency. For more information visit www.abb.com. Remote Site & Equipment Management \ Fall 2016 13 http://www.abb.com http://www.scadatechsummit.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Remote - Fall 2016