Complex Network-Based Transmission Network Vulnerability Assessment Using Adjacent Graphs

Cyber-Physical Vulnerability Assessment in Smart Grids Based on Multilayer Complex Networks

“…In recent years, complex network theory has been used to analyse vulnerabilities in OT power networks [ 8 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Complex network indices, such as betweenness and net-ability, have been used to assess OT network vulnerabilities [ 15 , 17 ].…”

“…The work presented by [ 18 ] proposes an electrical network model, based on complex network theory, to identify lines that would affect the OT network’s robustness in the event of a loss or disconnection. The authors of [ 16 ] used an adjacent graph model, and in [ 19 ], complex network indices, such as node degree and geodesic distance, were used to establish the critical nodes in an OT network that could cause a blackout in the event of cascading failures in specific elements. It should be noted that previous research papers have focused on physical electricity networks and have not addressed vulnerabilities that could occur in IT communications networks producing OT network vulnerabilities.…”

“…It is also necessary to model the interaction between them. In [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], traditional vulnerability assessment is only based on the power grid; however, the detection of vulnerabilities in power networks is not sufficient to analyse vulnerabilities in smart grids which are also composed of communication networks. Moreover, to highlight hidden interdependencies between power and ICT networks it is also necessary to include the interconnection links between power nodes and communication nodes.…”

“…It can be concluded through this comparison that interdependencies between power and ICT networks in smart grids are not considered in the literature [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. These interdependencies represent one of the challenges in smart grids modelling [ 3 ].…”

“…The interconnected model encompasses power networks, ICT networks, and the interconnection between power-ICT networks. It should be emphasized that the interconnected and heterogeneous nature of smart grids is not considered in traditional smart grids vulnerability assessment where only power network vulnerability is analysed, and neither ICT network nor power-ICT interconnection is considered [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. We use multilayer complex network theory to deal with the complexity and heterogeneity of cyber-physical systems considered as interconnected and heterogeneous systems.…”