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Broadband over Powerlines

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the maybe-i-can-get-bandwidth-now dept.

scubacuda writes "Today's Bottom Line links to an article on Internet-over-powerline technology. St. Louis-based Ameren Corp and other utilities are testing are testing the technology, and, according to the article, "many consider it increasingly viable." Proponents claim the powergrid technology will bolster broadband competition, lower consumer prices and bridge the digital divide in rural areas. Skeptics say that few tests prove its financial and technical viability. Kludge, panacea, or hoax? (I'd think it was a total crock had I not personally known someone working in India with a PCL company)"

3 of 215 comments (clear)

  1. Other approaches by panurge · · Score: 4, Informative
    I believe that ABB, in Thailand, tried the idea of running a broadband fibre THROUGH the Earth lead of an overhead powerline. 600 000V on the phases does tend to discourage vandals from stealing the fibre.

    The problem with any wire-based HF transmission system is reflections, standing waves, radiation and losses, and a power system by its very nature is not designed for HF. But the existence of the infrastructure - distribution stations, ducting, overhead supports - could make it a very good solution for stringing fibre. Overhead cables are inherently less prone to backhoe incidents than buried cables. There is a benefit to the electrical utility in that they can use the fibre to run their own control systems easily.

    Any such idea needs to be planned in from the start- it could be a cheap add-on to rural electrification in places like India and China, but much harder to do in the US or Europe where cables have long service lives.

    --
    Panurge has posted for the last time. Thanks for the positive moderations.
  2. Here in Ireland .. by Draoi · · Score: 4, Informative
    ... we've already got broadband over powerlines - sorta! Our national electricity supply company is bundling fibre optic cables with high-voltage lines. They say;

    The network consists of 48 fibres (24 pairs, each pair capable of delivering 2.5GB.) wrapped around the ESB's high voltage network.

    Just as well, seeing as we're still waiting for ADSL

    --
    Alison

    "It is a miracle that curiosity survives formal education." - Albert Einstein

  3. Done that, chucked in. by I)_MaLaClYpSe_(I · · Score: 5, Informative

    Here in Austria (not Australia!) tests were made with "the Internet via the outlet" over a year ago, but the tests were stopped, because there was too much interference (with household appliances) and the voltage swings turned out to be a problem, too.

    Sounded promising back than and I was surely disappointed, when it was announced that it was not experimented with it any further. :-(

    --Mal