Intrinsic Vulnerabilities of the Power Systems Supporting Communication Networks and Expert Strategies for Defense

摘要

Reliable power systems are vital to the operation of public communications network infrastructure. During normal operation, power systems serve in the critical role of interfacing with commercial electric power to provide high quality electric energy for highly specialized electronic equipment. During extreme events, whether they are natural in origin - such as hurricanes and ice storms, or human in origin - such as power blackouts and terrorist attacks, power systems are essential. Without power, communications equipment fails to operate and communications services disappear. Thus, the reliability of power systems is crucial. To understand the intrinsic vulnerabilities of power systems that support today's diverse communications networks, including wireline, wireless, cable, satellite, voice, data and video, Bell Labs has developed a framework of eight ingredients of which the communications infrastructure is built. Power is one of these ingredients. Using this framework, scientific and engineering disciplines are used to establish the finite nature of their inherent vulnerabilities. This paper presents a comprehensive list of nine vulnerabilities intrinsic to power systems. By addressing these vulnerabilities, which are the only means that threats can negatively impact power systems, this approach allows for the identification of best practices that protect not only against known threats but also against unknown and unimagined threats. The power system of a communication networks is made up of four basic components: the distribution plant, the battery plant, the generator plant, and the grounding system. It is also heavily impacted by other infrastructures, such as commercial power and transportation, and by other ingredients of the communications system, such as humans, environment, and policy. Mastering knowledge of the finite list of intrinsic vulnerabilities of these components makes it possible to provide comprehensive coverage of all the areas of power systems. An example of this type of analysis is provided for generator fuel. Subsequent papers will provide in-depth analysis for other components of the power systems. Power systems are an extremely critical piece of today's communications systems. Knowing the vulnerabilities of the power components and the supporting infrastructures is essential to installing and maintaining a reliable power system, which protects both the communications infrastructure and the people who work on it.