Power Line Communications
Powerline communications (PLC) is a broadband internet access solution that uses the utility lines over which electrical power is provided to a home or business. PLC's advantages over other broadband access solutions such as DSL and cable include the ubiquitous presence of utility line connections and bandwidth capabilities up to 200 Mbps.
Simtec Global offers a viable and cost-effective alternative to the challenges of hardwiring and wireless local area networks (LANs). This technology delivers a variety of benefits, including easy installation, convenient Internet access from virtually any ordinary electrical outlet, secure and reliable data transmission, ease of use, and a cost-effective solution. Powerline products are designed for use in commercial and residential applications, including office buildings, hotels, schools, shopping malls, government buildings, and multi-dwelling residential buildings.
To ensure powerline security meets your requirements, our design implements 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and is FIPS 140-2 compliant for government deployments and installations.
Powerline Technology Rundown
The newest technology uses an enhanced form of orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) with forward error-correction, it is currently used in DSL technology, wireless distribution of television signals, and has also been adapted for IEEE's high rate wireless LAN Standards (802.11a and 802.11g). OFDM is a variation of the frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) used in phone-line networking. FDM puts computer data on separate frequencies from the voice signals being carried by the phone line, separating the extra signal space on a typical phone line into distinct data channels by splitting it into uniform chunks of bandwidth. In the case of OFDM, the available range of frequencies on the electrical subsystem (4.5 MHz to 21 MHz) is split into 84 separate carriers. OFDM sends packets of data simultaneously along several of the carrier frequencies, allowing for increased speed and reliability. If noise or a surge in power usage disrupts one of the frequencies, the Power line chip will sense it and switch that data to another carrier. This rate-adaptive design allows power line technology to maintain an Ethernet-class connection throughout the power line network without losing any data. For example if a hi-voltage load appliance such as vacuum cleaner or hair dryer is turned on. The Powerline device will then adapt to that change. By constantly adapting to the powerline medium, reliable communication can be guaranteed at every power outlet.