Smart Meter Mobile Network?

JSmith321

Led to believe that smart meters use a mobile network to return readings to the energy companies via the Data Communications Company and overseen by the energy regulator Ofgem. Google suggests it's a dedicated, secure network but I presume they have to use the masts of the main mobile operators if it's a mobile type signal, but which ones? Seems quite difficult to find out technical information presumably to prevent hacking. Saying that, I was quite surprised that my supplier (and presumably a hacker) can disconnect my power remotely and that different tariffs can be applied during the day.

JSmith321

This answers some of my questions but not all https://www.smartme.co.uk/technical.html

mattinglis

The SMETS2 meters operate off their own "dedicated" network designed by GCHQ and implemented by Smart DCC.

Funnily enough there isn't too much detail out there about the network and protocols used, its a critical infrastructure target for hackers given technically they could cut supply to anyone they want if they gained access!

However if you look the main infrastructure sponsors of the project in the initial stages, one stands out, telephonica, so id put my money on it using O2 for the backbone. Although the meters themselves are supposed to be quite smart and if one doesn't have connection, it can talk to another nearby which does creating a mesh network.

It is pretty secure though all communications are encrypted between your supplier and your meters, i know this as when commissioned they handshake SSL certificates.

JSmith321

I bet the Russians and North Korean's know all about it. You can imagine the devastation if all the UK smart meters were suddenly turned off.

Gerry1

mattinglis wrote: »

The SMETS2 meters operate off their own "dedicated" network designed by GCHQ and implemented by Smart DCC.

GCHQ designed the O2 network in the south of England? :eek:
That's news to me !

mattinglis

Haha,

I would suspect GCHQ only helped with the communications protocols between the smart meters themselves (seems to be zigbee) and between the smart meters and the existing mobile network infrastructure for 4G (some kind of SSL connection).

Its all understandably vague.

I would also suspect that malicious state actors have more interesting targets than my house.

Mister_G

O2 only provide the radio connectivity in the South and Midlands. The North and Scotland are provided by Arqiva on their own dedicated purpose built network.