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Broadband over Power Line (BPL)

Broadband over Power Line (BPL) is also called Power Line Telecommunications (PLT), Broadband Powerline Carrier, or Powerline Communications (PLC). BPL is a system mostly still in beta mode, but the technology’s aim is to provide broadband Internet service via electric power lines. The potential form of the technology is a one-plug solution for electricity as well as Internet connectivity. BPL is, of course, a wireline technology that is able to piggyback on the current electricity networks for data and voice transmission. Broadband access through powerlines would be especially useful in rural areas. BPL has three current forms:
  • Access BPL - The simple solution. Access BPL uses electrical distribution lines (overhead or underground) to provide broadband Internet access to homes and businesses.
  • In-building BPL - The in-building BPL system uses the electrical wiring within a building to network computers.
  • Control PLC – The Control Powerline Communications operates below 500 kHz, and is used by electric-utility companies to control their equipment using the power-lines as transmission lines.
Existing electricity utility infrastructure would not need extensive modifications to support BPL and in some cases it may not need any modification at all. BPL has not yet attained wide deployments in the U.S., but other countries have attempted to deploy it with varying results. Critics contend that transmitted data can interfere with amateur (ham) radio and police and fire radios. The FCC has some regulations currently underway that will guide the use of BPL in the U.S. If BPL is put into use, the technology will remain an unlicensed service and be subject to rules like those affecting cordless telephones, television remote controls and other consumer electronic devices. Only a much-hyped dream in 2004, broadband internet access through power lines is now a reality in Cincinnati and D.C. suburb, Manassas, VA. Don’t miss the latest battles between DSL, cable and BPL, all covered weekly in FierceIPTV.