Technology Overview
Around the world, utilities companies have recognized the business potential in the deployment of Broadband Powerline Communication Systems (BPL/PLC). Like them, Telcos and Service Providers have also realized the potential of BPL/PLC, either as an extension into an MDU/MTU, Hospitality or School from any known broadband communications infrastructure (whether Optical Fiber, Satellite or xDSL), or as a cost- effective Wi-Fi device connection (where no line-of-sight is available).
Beyond automated meter reading, the Smart Grid calls for feature-rich management and control of the existing electrical infrastructure. However, to make this happen, flexible and simple implementation and operation solutions are necessary. Planet Broadband unique, field-proven BPL/PLC technology and algorithms make its PLUS an intelligent and attractive solution over other market offerings.
Highlights
Fast network deployment and unit parameter settings
Dynamic recognition of the network topology
Automatic unit reconfiguration in the event of failure
Automatic reconfiguration of replaced equipment
Network management advanced functionalities
BPL unit history restoration
Physical unit performance curves
Alarm management
Simple software upgrade capabilities
Functionality of commercial and operational management of the customer premises equipment (CPE)
What is Broadband Powerline Communications?
Powerline networks transmit high-frequency data signals over the same electrical grid as that used for carrying electrical power to households. Accordingly, electrical wires and sockets are used simultaneously for electricity and for data transmission, without causing disruption to either.
Typically, BPL equipment vendors use OFDM processes to handle high-speed data transmission between computers, as a solution for a noisy electricity network. The OFDM modulation detects changes within the powerline and maintains network communication – even during power spikes or other powerline disruptions. However, by itself OFDM has proved to be insufficient for maintaining a broadband network delivering high-speed data that is subject to frequent changes, both in terms of the number of users and the bandwidth consumption. Therefore, OFDM as such is not sufficient to support commercial broadband communications over the electricity grid. Enhancing the technology to support not only the physical layer, but also layer two and the application layer, makes BPL/PLC a feasible option in a widely commercial implementation. Planet Broadband make this possible using our unique PLUS solution
What is Planet Broadband Unique Powerline PLUS Technology Offering?
Capitalizing on the company’s vast experience in commercially-deployed networks, Planet Broadband offers its PLUS technology solution – a combination of algorithms and mechanisms optimally adapted from wireless and wireline technology. Using three additional communication methods, CSMA/CA, Smart Repetition and Access Unit Hopping makes Planets Broadband PLUS solution ideal for managing and controlling data traffic over powerline grids – the behavior of which is known to be unpredictable.
What is Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)?
The CSMA/CA method is designed for data transmission where reliable collision detection is not possible – such as, in powerline communications. Performance improvement is achieved by reducing the probability of collision and retry. While the CSMA/CA method improves line performance and data throughput, it may affect data latency. Planet Broadband's unique QoS (quality of service) mechanisms, implemented in addition to CSMA/CA, enhance performance of all jitter-sensitive applications such as Voice and Video, thereby guaranteeing QoS.
Smart Repetition – Reduced Network Planning Hassle
In a Planet Broadband-based BPL network, dynamic repeaters are installed sporadically over the network, eliminating the need for complex network planning or costly maintenance. To meet the changing demands for bandwidth and speed when using BPL for broadband communication services, Planet Broadband incorporates a Smart Repetition mechanism that allows each unit to choose the best route to achieve the best performance at any given time. This dynamic routing feature enables the service provider to maintain quality of service (QoS) at all times, while enabling Plug-and-Play installation and maintenance of the system.
Access Unit Hopping
In a typical communication network, the constant changes in electricity wire conditions, as well as the fluctuating demands in bandwidth, require even more dynamic solutions than those of other broadband network media. Planet Broadband patented Access Hopping (AH) mechanism uses a network cell topology similar to that used in the cellular phone market, where each cell phone automatically migrates between base-stations.
The Access Hopping mechanism enables dynamic routing of up to 1000 connected users in a single cluster, while maintaining high-frequency bandwidth. Each cluster of customer premises units (NtPLUS) is connected to a single concentrating unit (CuPLUS). In the event of a noisy electrical grid or an overloaded network, the AH mechanism allows any PLUS unit to automatically "hop" between CuPLUS units, thus avoiding speed loss and maximizing bandwidth sharing efficiency.
Broadband over Powerlines (BPL) in a Nutshell
Customers with broadband-over-powerlines (BPL) can get high-speed internet connections through their electrical outlets, without any special installation or wiring. It is faster and cheaper to deploy than most other forms of broadband networks.
Broadband over powerlines (BPL) allows customers to get high-speed internet connections through their electrical outlets. Users can plug a Powerline modem into an electric socket anywhere in an office or facility, without requiring any special installation or wiring. Computers connected to the modem (either directly or through a local area network) have fast internet access.
So how does it work?
The utility connects the internet to its electric distribution lines by installing Powerline adaptors at centralized locations. These adaptors receive internet data and translate it to special frequencies that can be combined with electricity and transmitted over the distribution lines. The endpoint modems separate the data from the electricity, sending the data to an Ethernet port.
This technology has been around for several years, but the early products were mostly aimed at low-cost home computer networking. Utilities have used earlier versions of the technology (at lower frequencies) for asset monitoring.
When compared to digital subscriber lines (DSL) or cable modems, BPL could be faster to deploy, and with less capital investment per new customer. That equates to lower rates for users and faster cost recovery for the utility. BPL service rates currently start from US$20 per month.
To extend BPL, Planet Broadband installs some equipment in the home or office and attaches repeaters to the existing lines. The low cost of field gear and the presence of existing lines gives BPL an advantage in areas where there is a low ratio of customers to gear. ... (read more)