On Managing Controller Placement Problem for Grid-aware Software Defined Networking

Software Defined Networking (SDN) envisions solving many of the network and security challenges in crucial fields such as the Smart Grid. Smart Grid researchers found SDN capable of making grid interconnected heterogeneous components more reliable, efficient and secure. However, deploying a set of SDN controllers to manage and control such large networks is a big challenge. Recent research proposed the Controller Placement Problem (CPP) to determine the correct number and location of SDN controllers in wide area networks. None of these research works considered the problem within Smart Grids. Therefore, in this paper, we address this challenge of CPP in Smart Grids. Additionally, this paper introduces various metrics that affects to the placement problem in terms of grid operation and performance. Further, UK GSP network capacity map is used as a case study. Simulation results showed the magnitude of the decision in relevance to standard characteristics and the effect of optimally selecting the controller location within the network.