Power Line Communications

Abstract

This thesis doles out to be general technical reference on the Power Line Communication (PLC) Systems, with an all-inclusive dissection of the standards, distinctiveness, technologies, products and development coupled with installation and working of the Power Line Communications System. Power Line Communication System is a novel idea in our part of the globe, while it has been implemented in Europe and elsewhere with success, generating impressive results. Research on the subject has been, but relatively scattered, lack of collective information had been the primary initiative behind its wide implementation. Merits and demerits of PLC here in our country have been explored, and for this reason multiple standards and regulations have highlighted. Case study has been propounded to support the idea of implementation of this system. The technologies employed in the powerline communications are offered along with a discussion on the functionality of each technology including data transmission rates, limitations, and other significant factors. A market survey of off the shelf facilities and available product modules in the powerline networking area has been given, with a summary of Homeplug-certified products, and their salient features. Results of various vendors’ powerline modules are documented, so as to help streamline setting the powerline get a smooth way, in times to come. However, with a current available data transmission rates of 14 Mbps and a noteworthy increase promised in the times to come, Power Line Communication Systems seems to be a favored choice over other networking technologies, because of to factors – ease of installation, availability of AC outlets, higher throughput, low cost, reliability and security. Towards the end of the thesis, a survey of the electrical infrastructure has been presented, which would serve as plinth in planning and implementing the proposed system