Power Line Communication

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Power Line Communication
What is Power Line Communication
Aim
Also known as IP-over-power, it is the
transmission of data such as TCP/IP across a
power circuit. It can be divided into two main
areas, high voltage (power lines) and low voltage
(domestic building circuits), the latter being
what is being investigated.
The purpose is to test the feasibility of using
Power Line Communications (PLC) in conjunction
with an ADSL line as a package to allow for a
network rollout to buildings that do not already
have data network infrastructure that is also
rapid and non-intrusive. Along with configuration
and deployment specifications needed.
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Adapter (modem) Interface between the PLC network
and the computer using either RJ45 or USB.
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Investigation

• Time scale for configuration and deployment
• Costing considerations
• Limitations on the number of users/adapters
• Effect to the PLC network by
• Network saturation
• Dirty power and spikes
• Other control systems
• Suitability and match between the PLC Network and
  the ADSL uplink.

Power Circuit From the utility company
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Internal Controller (IC) Manages the PLC network
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ADSL line (Signal) Internet connection
David Mackie Supervisor Professor P.
Clayton Computer Science, Rhodes
University http//www.cs.ru.ac.za/research/student
s/g99m0302/