Transforming Communication Networks in Power Substations through SDN

In recent years, Software Defined Networking (SDN) has experienced rapid growth. The unexpected deployment of SDN has impacted all kind of scenarios from data centers to campus and corporate networks. The wide adoption of SDN is due to its advantages in the field of network management and the flexibility in the implementation of solutions that lead to operational and capital costs reduction. Recently, SDN developments have also emerged around communication networks in power substations with the purpose of improving the management inside this type of networks, which demand high levels of availability and reliability, as the substation is a key element in the chain of energy generation and distribution. To provide a better degree of understanding about the challenges that arise in this area, and in order to generate new research interests in this field, this article presents a detailed review of the recent efforts to develop solutions through the appropriation of SDN concepts, around the demanding requirements of operation identified in communication networks in power substations.