Smart Redundant Management of a Next-Generation Critical Power Grid Infrastructure

Next-generation power grids with high penetration of distributed and converter-based resources require communication infrastructures that ensure deterministic, secure, and resilient operation. Conventional wired communication systems represent vulnerable single points of failure, particularly under physical and cyber-physical threats such as targeted drone attacks on critical grid assets. This paper introduces a smart redundant management concept that employs fifth-generation mobile communication technology to support monitoring, protection, and control functions of critical power grid infrastructure. By exploiting low-latency and high- reliability features of 5G networks, the proposed approach enhances operational resilience and continuity of control under degraded and disrupted communication conditions.