Edge-computing Enabled Next Generation Wireless Networks: A Novel Approach to Provide Secure Multicast Services

TL;DR

This paper proposes novel multicast tree formation algorithms for smart grid communications using edge computing, aiming to enhance security, reliability, and reduce delay in heterogeneous wireless and PLC networks.

Contribution

It introduces two new multicast tree algorithms based on geographical info and evaluates their performance for smart grid multicast services.

Findings

GCBT algorithm reduces tree cost compared to core-based trees.

Hybrid algorithm improves security and reliability.

Multiple algorithm minimizes message delay.

Abstract

Smart grids have received much attention in recent years in order to optimally manage the resources, transmission and consumption of electric power.In these grids, one of the most important communication services is the multicast service. Providing multicast services in the smart communicative grid poses several challenges, including the heterogeneity of different communication media and the strict requirements of reliability, security and latency. Wireless technologies and PLC connections are the two most important media used in this grid, among which PLC connections are very unstable, which makes it difficult to provide reliability. In this research, the problem of geographically flooding of multicast data has been considered. First, this problem has been modeled as an optimization problem which is used as a reference model in evaluating the proposed approaches. Then, two MKMB and GCBT multicast tree formation algorithms have been developed based on geographical information according to the characteristics of smart grids. Comparison of these two approaches shows the advantages and disadvantages of forming a core-based tree compared to a source-based tree. Evaluation of these approaches shows a relative improvement in tree cost and the amount of end-to-end delay compared to basic algorithms. In the second part, providing security and reliability in data transmission has been considered. Both Hybrid and Multiple algorithms have been developed based on the idea of multiple transmission tree. In the Hybrid algorithm, the aim is to provide higher security and reliability, but in the Multiple algorithms, minimization of message transmission delay is targeted. In the section of behavior evaluation, these two algorithms have been studied in different working conditions, which indicates the achievement of the desired goals.