IEEE Develops Standard for Broadband-over-Powerline Systems

The IEEE has begun work on a standard to define the nature of the communication channel to be used to adapt the installed base of electrical power lines for Internet and other broadband communications. The standard, IEEE P1901, "Standard for Broadband over Power Line Networks: Medium Access Control and Physical Layer Specifications", will make it easier for high-speed communication equipment to be used with AC power lines. It is targeted for completion in early 2007.


IEEE P1901 will apply to broadband-over-power-line (BPL) devices for first-mile/last-mile connection to broadband services, as well as those for the local area networks and other data distribution systems to function over copper power lines in a building. The standard will create a balanced and efficient BPL channel that has the bandwidth and quality of service needed by all users.
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