Broadband Powerline Communications Systems A Background Brief

Introduction This paper provides an introduction to broadband powerline communications systems and the potential issues relating to their widespread use in Australia. It examines the current status of technology development and reports on the regulatory arrangements currently in place and being developed overseas to cope with the issues raised by the use of these systems. Current Australian arrangements are also reported. This paper was prepared following concerns raised in Australia about the r ...

Can broadband over powerline carrier (PLC) compete? A techno-economic analysis

Abstract Powerline carrier (PLC) communications have been heralded by the FCC as the ‘‘3rd wire’’ to every home, and have matured to the point of field trials and limited deployment. This paper examines the technology from a techno-economic perspective, factoring in regulatory issues and network design (focusing on the United States). Results indicate that PLC does not appear to represent a major disruptive technology, especially from a price-performance perspective. In a ...