Exploiting Power Line for Communication Purpose

Abstract

Power Line Communication (PLC) uses the available power line as a communication medium. The purpose of this chapter is to present the salient features, current trend and future scope of PLC with emphasis in the Indian context. Unlike other channels available, power lines are harsh media for data transfer and require efficient modeling and simulation techniques to propose and implement suitable mitigation schemes for achieving acceptable performance. Designed equipments have to adhere to strict mandates at the national and international levels to account for issues related to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). In spite of this, PLC is expected to occupy an important place in the networking market in applications of smart grid and as a component of heterogeneous/hybrid communication system. The chapter is also backed by results from experiments carried on a typical power line in a test site with a presentation of noise, transfer characteristics, modeling and an estimate of the channel capacity.