An embedded TCP/IP hard core for Smart Grid information and communication networks

Embedded system cores for communications networks are becoming much important recently due to the demands placed by Smart Grid, sensor mobile networks, etc. However, embedded system designs have unique metrics such as cost, flexibility, and size. Tuning these metrics during embedded system designs will definitely impact the cost and performance of Smart Grid devices and systems. In this research, we are aiming to achieve secure and high performance network communication platform based on various implementation of the TCP/IP protocol stack. NicheStack TCP/IP is a light weight library written in C. Firstly, we deployed NicheStack TCP/IP for an embedded Web server application. Then, we integrated the ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) C code within the web server source code to achieve a secure communication. Consequently, we showed that the integrated system: the web server, and the ECC program hides information if the secret is not provided. We used an http client to access the web server through the Internet. The client sends an encrypted data securely through the network to the embedded web server application. Secondly, we are in a stage to design a complete open TCP/IP hard core on an FPGA. Preliminary simulation result via ModelSim confirms proper operation of decode instruction module at the hardware level. All Modules will be synchronized to the same clock and reset signals.