**Sensing & Communication Infrastructure for Grid Monitoring**

The reliable operation of modern power systems depends on real-time situational awareness, requiring the deployment of a wide range of sensors, including Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs), Smart Meters, and Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensors (DFOS). However, these technologies involve high costs and demand optimized placement and efficient data transmission for effective grid monitoring. Addressing these challenges requires determining the optimal placement of PMUs and PDCs in large-scale transmission grids, as well as identifying strategies for deploying next-generation smart meters in distribution networks. Additionally, integrating fiber-optic sensing with traditional monitoring techniques and designing real-time, low-latency communication strategies are crucial for seamless data transmission across the grid.

To overcome these challenges, we developed optimal PMU and PDC placement strategies for large-scale power grids and proposed a hybrid sensor deployment framework integrating PMUs and DFOS. Additionally, we explored second-generation smart meter placement and management strategies for enhanced grid-edge monitoring. Finally, we designed efficient data routing strategies to enable real-time, resilient data transfer, ensuring reliable communication for grid monitoring applications.