Broadband over Power Lines

Broadband over power line (BPL) is a technology that allows Internet data to be transmitted over utility power lines. A device in the home plugs into a wall outlet and provides Ethernet connection to a computer in your home (Anthony Good). The carrier communicates voice and data by superimposing analog signal over the standard 50 or 60 Hz alternating current. The modems for BPL transmit in medium and high frequency (2.0 to 50 MHZ), in the medium voltage stations the speed from the headend to the internet is up to 135 Mbits/s (Wikipedia). A series of devices called repeater are used to drive the signals along the power lines until they reach their destination. The following diagram shows the technology flow of a BPL network (Electrolinks):

The service BPL provides carries many advantages to the business and personnel sector. Existing power lines can be used so installation of new wiring will not have to happen. Broadband connection will be available in every location that has an electrical socket allowing for the symmetrical sending and receiving of communication signals. Plug-and-play installation of BPL modems. The global power grid, the largest network in the world, is utilized to provide all communications paths. This new communication path will allow the power companies increased network reliability and power quality, prevent, detect and restore customer outages more effectively and implement automated meter reading more efficiently (Texas Electric).

The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) has put strong guidelines in place to support the fielding and use of BPL. The commissioner of the FCC, Jonathan S. Adelstein, in a document released October 28, 2004, made the following statement Ў§I take seriously our obligation under Section 157 of the Communications Act that Ў§[i]t shall be the policy of the United States to encourage the provision of new technologies and services to the public.ЎЁ I am fully committed to that mission to promote new technologies, and to provide a framework for innovation so they can succeed. In order to do so in this case, though, we must ensure that sufficient protections are in place to limit interference concernsЎЁ (FCC). The interference concerns addressed in the statement reference possible interference with HF signals transmitted by emergency services and individual radio operators. This interference is the major hurdle that BPL must overcome to be accepted by everyone. Some of the restrictions include certain frequencies that may not be used and areas that BPL cannot be deployed.

BPL technology can provide new applications that the current broadband service cannot. BPL can provide communications connectivity for Distribution Automation applications such as remote capacitor control, automatic meter reading and remote ON/OFF capabilities. BPL can be used to create an IP access network to solve the "Last-Mile" dilemma. Since the Grid is available throughout the country, BPL is simply an add-on to that existing electrical infrastructure which will allow every consumer to gain access to the Internet. Since the BPL network touches all of the electrical components connected to the electrical grid, there is an opportunity to install monitoring and security devices anywhere on the Grid which has been BPL enabled. The BPL network provides 2-way high-speed communications to all of these devices. Devices could include:

„H Security Cameras

„H Biological Contaminant detection

„H Gas / Chemical detection

„H Corrosion monitoring

„H Pipeline Monitoring

The major obstacle to the global deployment of BPL is High-Frequency (HF) Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). The deployment of BPL can create radio frequency interference which is detrimental to users of these high frequencies, which consist of the amateur HAM radio operators, emergency and public safety frequency and short wave channel users. The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) is the biggest voice concerning the possible interference BPL may cause. Test and trials have been conducted by the power companies showing what possible interference BPL may cause. Because of these test the FCC has but certain guidelines in place to ensure no interference happens to vital radio communication signals.

The only real concern and disadvantage BPL may have is the radio interference issue. Until there is significant data that shows BPL technology will not interfere with communication signals this will be the disadvantage it has. Sending radio signals over power lines makes that