Communication Technologies in SmartGrid

This course will give a basic introduction to Communication Technology, Information Security and Digital Design in the context of Smart Grid. The course consists of three parts with the following academic content:
1. Communication Technology: Communication networks and services, Internet, mobile networks, TCP/IP and layering.
2. Information Security: Basic principles. Encryption. Vulnerabilities and risk. Technological, human and organizational perspectives.
3. Digital Design: Number systems and binary arithmetic. Boolean algebra, logical gates and simplification methods. Combinatorial circuits.

A. Knowledge:
The students should
1) Understand number systems and understand how binary arithmetic is done.
2) Have knowledge of digital circuit elements and understand how these can be used to build combinatorial circuits.
3) Understand Boolean algebra and different simplification methods used in designing digital circuits and systems.
4) Understand the most fundamental concepts, principles and technologies underlying computer communication networks and services, including the overall architecture of the Internet, principles of network based services, principles of switching techniques, security mechanisms, functionality and basic protocols of the five network protocol layers.
5) Have a basic understanding of risk factors, threats and countermeasures to achieve information security.

B. Skills:
The students should
1) Be able to use Boolean algebra and simplification methods to analyze and build digital circuits and systems using digital circuit elements.
2) Be able to reason and discuss about the architectures, principles and technologies in the design and implementation of computer communication networks and services.
3) Be able to explain how and why the basic protocols of the five network layers work.
4) Be able to reason and discuss information security at a fundamental level and evaluate risk for communication systems.

Lectures and laboratory exercises. A number of compulsory laboratory exercises must be completed and approved to qualify for the final exam.