A reliability enhancement strategy of critical nodes in power system communication network based on quantitative calculation method and criticality index

INTRODUCTION: Power system communication networks are essential for smart grid operations, enabling real-time monitoring and control. Disruptions at critical communication nodes can jeopardize grid stability and lead to cascading failures, highlighting the need for accurate reliability assessment of these vital components. However, traditional methods often overlook the complex, dynamic, and interdependent nature of modern communication infrastructures. OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to develop a precise and scalable methodology for assessing and enhancing the reliability of critical nodes in smart grid communication networks. METHODS: The proposed approach integrates probabilistic failure modeling, graph-theoretic analysis, and heuristic optimization. Key techniques include a newly designed Criticality Index (CI) accounting for failure probabilities, repair dynamics, and topological relevance; a Monte Carlo simulation framework to assess network behavior under stochastic disturbances; and a genetic algorithm (GA) for optimizing node reinforcement strategies. RESULTS: Experiments conducted on the IEEE-118 bus system demonstrate that the GA-CI methodology improves the Network Robustness Index by 12.45%, consistently outperforming baseline methods with acceptable computational efficiency. CONCLUSION: The proposed framework provides a robust and interpretable solution for reinforcing critical communication infrastructure in smart grids. It holds potential for broader application in the reliability assessment of other complex networked systems.