Broadband over Power Line

Quiz

Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is a communication technology used in smart grids for high-speed data transmission using existing electrical infrastructure. It is one of the most widely used communication technology in power systems. It is also referred to as Power Line Communication (PLC), as it makes use of power transmission lines for providing communication services.

Read this chapter to learn more about Broadband over Power Line along with its working, advantages, and implementation challenges.

What is Broadband Over Power Line?

Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is a communication technology used in smart grid electric networks for high-speed transmission of digital data. It uses power distribution or transmission networks as a communication medium. Thats why it is also known as Power Line Communication (PLC).

The broadband over power line technology provides high-speed communication over long distances and for this purpose it utilizes high frequencies, wide frequency range, and different communication technologies. In general, BPL uses radio spectrum frequencies which are used in over-the air communication services. This eliminates the interference to or from other communication networks.

History of Broadband Over Power Line

The following points highlight the important events related to history of the broadband over power line −

Broadband over power line is a power line-based communication technology first developed by AT&T in the year of 1914.
In 1990s, broadband over power line was adopted as a communication method in power grid infrastructure for high-speed data transmission.
During 1990s, it was also used for expanding internet access in remote areas where traditional broadband services like cable service, DSL, etc. were not available.
At that time, BPL was also used to provide internet services through electric grids.
Broadband over power line was the key factor behind the development of DSL and cable services in rural area in the year of 2004.

Types of Broadband Over Power Line

Broadband over power line can be classified into the following two main types −

In-House BPL − It is type of broadband over power line access within a building that uses electrical wiring of the building to create a network.
Access BPL − In this type of BPL, the electrical transmission lines are used for providing broadband access to the home. It is the most viable alternative of DSL and cable services to provide internet access to end-users.

Working of Broadband Over Power Line

Broadband over power line is a communication technology that allows transmission of internet or digital data through existing transmission and distribution power lines.

To understand how the BPL technology works, let's break the entire process down to the following steps −

Step 1: Modulation

It is the very first stage in the broadband over power line. In this step, the internets digital data is converted into electric signals that can be transmitted through power transmission lines. The device used for this purpose is called a modem.

In BPL, several advanced modulation techniques like frequency division multiplexing, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, etc. are used to combine data signals with power line signals.

Step 2: Injection

In this step, the modulated signals are injected into the power lines at a suitable place such as substation or distribution station.

Step 3: Signal Propagation

At this stage, the modulated signals injected into the power lines travel through the lines along with the electric power and reach to the desired destination. In this process, the power lines serve as pathways for data signals.

Step 4: Reception

At the receiving end, another BPL modem receives the data signals from the power transmission lines.

Step 5: Demodulation

The receiving end modem separates the data signals from electrical power signals. This is known as demodulation. In this step, the data signals are recovered from the mixed signals.

Step 6: Data Distribution

In this step, the demodulated data is sent to networking devices like routers for further distribution among different devices within our home or business.

These are the common steps and processes involved in the working of broadband over power line. However, there may some other important processes that can be involved in some special situations. These processes are explained below.

Use of Repeaters and Amplifiers

These devices are mainly used in large setups of broadband over power line. The repeaters and amplifiers are installed across the power transmission lines and are used for compensating the weakening effect of signals so that they can reach to the destination by travelling over long distances without any degradation.

Interference Mitigation

This is an important process for managing and reducing the interferences. It plays a significant role in keeping the data flow smooth. To implement this process, specially designed filters are used that can reduce the radio frequency interferences. This process also ensures that the broadband over power lines also does not interfere with other communication networks.

Let us now move further and discuss about the important characteristics of the broadband over power line.

Important Characteristics of Broadband Over Power Line

Some of the key characteristics of broadband over power line are listed below −

Broadband over power line uses existing electrical infrastructure. Hence, it requires less cost and time for deployment.
Broadband over power line provides high-speed data communication and hence it is suitable for modern internet and high bandwidth intensive tasks.
Broadband over power line is capable in handling huge volume of data.
This communication technology has extensive coverage due to widespread presence of electric grid.
Broadband over power line is very flexible in terms of scalability, as these communication networks can be easily expanded by installing additional modems at substations or distribution stations.
Broadband over power line can implement two-way communication between power utilities and consumers.
Broadband over power line enables real-time monitoring of smart grid networks. It improves the grid resiliency and reduce energy wastage.
Broadband over power line uses different frequencies for data communication and hence it can operate on the same power lines without any problem or interference.

Implementation Challenges of Broadband Over Power Line

Listed below are some of the major challenges in implementing broadband over power line −

Power lines are not designed for data transmission, but they are designed to deliver AC power at 50 or 60 Hz frequency. On the other side, the same wire of the power line has to be operated at different frequency, so both power and data signals can coexist on the same wire. This frequency difference can pose several challenges.
Power lines are subjected to frequent switching operations. Hence, they have electrical noise and harmonics. These two factors can affect the operation of broadband over power line.
Broadband over power line operates in the frequency range of 10 to 30 MHz which is categorized as the high-frequency range. Since the electric power lines are unshielded and hence can cause interference with nearby communication and broadcasting channels.

Standards for Broadband Over Power Lines

To ensure effective and safe operation of broadband over power line systems, the following IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) standards have been developed −

IEEE 643-2004 − This standard provides guidelines for communication over high voltage transmission lines, typically above 66 kV.
IEEE P1675 − This standard provides guidelines for safe installation and operation of broadband over power line hardware systems.
IEEE P1775 − This standard covers how to handle electromagnetic interference.
IEEE P1901-2020 − This standard specifies the technical specifications for broadband over power line like medium access control or physical layer aspects.

Failure Scenarios in Broadband Over Power Line

In broadband over power line communication, there are several factors that can cause errors or failures. Some of the key factors are highlighted below −

Electromagnetic Interference

It is caused by neighboring communication systems operating in the same frequency range.
It degrades the quality of BPL signals and can lead to failure of communication.

Signal Degradation by Active Devices

It is caused due to the noise generated by the active devices like transistors, relays, rectifiers, etc.
It degrades the BPL signals and lead to reduced quality and reliability, and finally communication failure.

Signal Attenuation by Passive Devices

It is caused by passive devices used in power grid like transformers, converters, etc.
The passive devices can significantly degrade the communication signals and result in communication failure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is a communication technology that makes use of power transmission lines to provide data communication and internet services. It is widely used in smart grids for implementing two-way communication between utility companies and consumers.

The best part of BPL communication is that it does not require development of additional infrastructure specially communication purpose, instead it uses existing electricity grid for this.

In this chapter, we explained broadband over power line in detail. Lets now move to the next chapter and learn about Internet Protocols and IP Layers.

Print Page