  Grid modernization has increased the reliance of power networks on cyber
networks within distribution systems (DSs), heightening their vulnerability to
disasters. Communication network failures significantly impede DS load recovery
by diminishing observation and control. Prior research has largely ignored the
need for integrated recovery of DS power and cyber networks' centralized
control. Indeed, communication network restoration is critical for speedy load
recovery through DS automation based microgrid formation. This paper exploits
the data routing capabilities of software-defined networking (SDN) to enhance
centralized control recovery in DS communication networks, incorporating it
into a comprehensive DS restoration model. This model, tailored to the control
requirements of load restoration, strategically allocates limited communication
resources to re-establish connections between the operation center and terminal
devices. Subsequently, DS automation is employed to orchestrate DS microgrid
formation for power resupply. Additionally, we introduce a cyclic algorithm
designed to optimize the load recovery via a multi-step, cooperative process.
The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated on IEEE 33-node and IEEE
123-node test feeders.
