IEEE Begins Standard to Define Communication Channel for Broadband-over-Powerline Systems; IEEE P1901(TM) to Provide Essential Step in Commercializing BPL.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- With momentum building to adapt the installed base of electrical power lines for Internet and other broadband communications, the IEEE has begun work on a standard to define the nature of the communication channel to be used. This standard, being developed within the IEEE-SA Corporate Program, will be an essential step in helping manufacturers develop the devices to be used in commercializing this approach.

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.

"The ability to transmit digital data over power lines from substations to homes and offices is attracting attention because it transforms wall outlets into Internet portals," says Jim Mollenkopf, co-chair of the IEEE BPL PHY/MAC Working Group. "This approach resolves the tough task of linking long-distance fiber optic cables to individual computers and should make the Internet even more universal than it now is. If BPL is to become widespread, there is a need for a robust standard that supports the use many types of BPL devices. Our intent is for IEEE P1901 to be that standard."

Jean-Philippe Faure, the other working group co-chair, says BPL communications involves an open media able to be shared by many devices. "The physical and medium access layers to be defined in the new standard will ensure that BPL devices operating on the same network will be able to coexist without conflict. It also will allow for interoperability among BPL devices from different vendors so end users can create viable systems according to their needs."

In access BPL systems, communication signals are imposed on electrical distribution feeders and travel over medium-voltage lines to the step-down transformer at a residence or business. A repeater/router extracts the signal and places it on the low-voltage wiring where it can be accessed through a modem plugged into any outlet. BPL also allows utilities to deploy devices that can make electric service more efficient and reliable by monitoring system problems and performance.

The member organizations of the BPL PHY/MAC Working Group developing the standard are drawn from the utility, Internet service provider, BPL equipment producer and other communities. For more information on this working group and the broader IEEE broadband-over-powerline effort, see http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/bpl/index.html.

IEEE P1901 is sponsored by the IEEE Communications Society.

About the IEEE Standards Association 

The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body, develops consensus standards through an open process that brings diverse parts of an industry together. These standards set specifications and procedures based on current scientific consensus. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of more than 870 completed standards and more than 400 standards in development. Over 15,000 IEEE members worldwide belong to IEEE-SA and voluntarily participate in standards activities. For information on IEEE-SA see: http://standards.ieee.org/.

Standards are developed within the IEEE-SA Corporate Program in company-based working groups in which each member has one vote. This industry-oriented program allows for standards creation in one to two years, depending on participant commitment and the use of IEEE support services. The program also provides a route to international acceptance for a standard based on the IEEE's broad ties to the international standards community. For information about its Corporate Standards Program, call [phone] or email [e-mail].

About the IEEE

The IEEE has more than 360,000 members in approximately 150 countries. Through its members, the organization is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace, computers and telecommunications to biomedicine, electric power and consumer electronics. The IEEE produces nearly 30 percent of the world's literature in the electrical and electronics engineering, computing and control technology fields. This nonprofit organization also sponsors or cosponsors more than 300 technical conferences each year. Additional information about the IEEE can be found at http://www.ieee.org.