Book excerpt: This timely new book is a cutting edge resource for engineers involved in the electric utility industry. This one-of-a-kind resource explores the planning, design, and deployment of communications networks, including fiber, microwave, RF, and Ethernet in electric utility spaces as related to Smart Grid. Readers are presented with an introduction to power utility communications, providing a thorough overview of data transmission media, electrical grid, and power grid modernization. Communication fundamentals and fiber-optic radio system design are also covered. Network performance and reliability considerations are discussed including channel protection, system latency, and cyber and grid security. Clear examples and calculations are presented to demonstrate reliability and availability measures for fiber-optic systems.