Abstract
The constant energy requirement was a crucial concern in today’s smart grid era, which needs tremendous attention. New wireless networking technologies should be integrated into the grid to achieve more distributed generation and energy storage. Advancements in wireless sensor networks (WSN) and embedded systems have enabled the implementation of smart grid monitoring and automation systems at low cost. The incorporation of fifth-generation networks (5G) in a smart grid would create novel business models of "edge" and "fog" technology at the utility side, accompanying with smart-control and automation. Nonetheless, WSN’s increased implementation also introduces impediments to safety, particularly relevant to confidentiality, accessibility, and safety management, creating both utilities and customers’ unpredictable expenditure and catastrophe. In this paper, a comprehensive overview of the communication and computing aspects of 5G network infrastructure is provided and discussed how they can be beneficial in promoting advanced smart grid systems in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Besides, this paper discusses the smart grid, current security issues surrounding machine-to-machine information on the smart grid, and solutions available to identify and avoid cyber threats.