Layer 2 security for Smart Grid networks

One of the main aspects of Smart Grid communication network is providing a secure communications network. Smart Grid Network operating center and back office are pretty much secure. The problem starts when smart grid network is extended to connect to homes, commercial building and factories. With this the smart grid network access is opened up to millions of smart grid end user access points. In this paper the different security threats at each OSI layer are discussed. An overview of layer 2 security standards 802.1AE, 802.1X are elucidated. The paper finally concludes by proposing to implement the layer 2 security to achieve complete Smart Grid communication network security.