WiFi Over Powerlines: Benefits & Challenges

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SUMMARY

Wireless internet over power lines, known as Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) or Power-line Communications (PLC), utilizes existing copper power cables to deliver internet access. Recent advancements have mitigated interference issues caused by high-current devices like washing machines, allowing for effective signal transmission. Challenges remain with voltage transformers affecting connectivity, but various companies are developing solutions. This technology enables internet access wherever electricity is available, raising questions about account management and usage restrictions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) technology
  • Familiarity with Power-line Communications (PLC) concepts
  • Knowledge of electrical systems and transformers
  • Basic principles of wireless networking and MAC address filtering
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest developments in Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) technology
  • Explore solutions for mitigating interference in Power-line Communications (PLC)
  • Learn about the implications of using MAC address filtering for account management
  • Investigate the impact of BPL on Amateur Radio and other high-frequency operations
USEFUL FOR

Network engineers, telecommunications professionals, and anyone interested in innovative internet delivery methods using existing electrical infrastructure.

aychamo
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Hey guys!

In a magazine I was reading recently, they mentioned that they are now testing wireless internet over the power lines!

They said they've known for years that the powerlines are a great way to do such things, because they are nice copper cables that are run practically *everywhere*. They then said that they had problems because things like washing machines, and dishwashers and all those big current pulling devices created a lot of "noise" on the powerlines. But with WiFi or whatever, the frequency range is so much higher than the disturbance causing devices (MHz vs KHz I think), that the interferrence isn't really an issue anymore.

They then said that the problem was getting the internet access through things like voltage step-up and downs (transformers?), and that a lot of companies came up with good solutions for it. That is freakin awesome.

With a system like this, it seems you could just pay your monthly fee or whatever for the power company, and be basically anywhere there is electricity and get internet.

But, this leaves a question: How do accounts work on wireless internet providers? What stops me from giving my account info to all my friends and we all just use it at will? Or what if I pulled my laptop out and used it at mcdonalds, but my home network is still pulling it at home?
 
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They could restrict the account by MAC Address and/or connections per account.
 
Broadband Over Power Line (BPL) and Amateur Radio

Another thread on this.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=16715


This web page contains files and links of information about BPL and related broadband technologies and how they may adversely affect Amateur Radio and other HF radio operation. BPL is also sometimes called Power-line Communications or PLC. In-building BPL uses a building's electrical wiring to network computers within a building. Access BPL uses the electrical distribution grid to deliver broadband internet access to homes and businesses using the distribution system and building electrical wiring as a conductor. A tutorial on BPL is available on the http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/#Quick_Links

http://www.arrl.org/tis/info/HTML/plc/
 
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