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Broadband over Powerline (BPL) is a technology that makes use of the existing electricity power lines for the transmission of broadband data. Utility companies, ISPs, and local governments worldwide are intrigued by the potential of delivering broadband access over the ubiquitous electricity infrastructure. The BPL market, which is expected to reach $2.5 billion by 2010, is quickly gaining traction as a viable alternative to traditional access technologies.
There are two types of BPL networks:
Low Voltage (LV) BPL
LV BPL uses the low voltage segment of the electricity distribution network to deliver broadband data within local neighborhoods. The BPL signal travels across the LV segment of the neighborhood transformer, either across power poles or underground, directly to the home. Any power outlet within the home can be used to connect to the BPL network and access the Internet. Intellon's MAC/PHY integrated circuits are well suited for BPL applications and are currently being used in BPL Gateways/Bridges, repeaters, as well as in-home CPE devices within live BPL deployments.
The backbone connection at the transformer can either be provided by fiber optic, wireless radio, or medium voltage BPL (see next section).
Medium Voltage (MV) BPL
MV BPL delivers broadband data signals across medium voltage lines to multiple neighborhoods. Broadband connection from the MV segment to the home is provided by LV BPL or wireless radio. If LV BPL is used, the pole-mounted or in-ground neighborhood transformers block the BPL signals from passing through to the LV portion. As such, special couplers are used to allow data to pass from the MV lines to the LV segment.
Additional Applications and Benefits of BPL
In addition to providing a means for the delivery of broadband access, BPL can be used by the Utility to dynamically manage their power grid and increase network reliability by remote diagnosis of the electrical system. This can be accomplished by way of:
- Automated meter reading
- Load management
- Outage detection
Regulatory Initiatives
In October of 2004, the FCC adopted changes to Part 15 (Radio Frequency Devices) of its rules to encourage the development of BPL, while safeguarding existing licensed services against harmful interference.
Intellon has taken the necessary measures to ensure compliance to the new FCC rulings.
Similar initiatives are underway in worldwide, including Europe and Japan.
HomePlug BPL
The HomePlug Alliance has selected the HomePlug AV MAC and PHY technology as the baseline for a new BPL specification that will assure high performance and interoperability with in-home HomePlug AV networks.
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