Definition of common PLC MIB and design of MIB Mapper for multi-vendor PLC network management

Abstract

Power Line Communication (PLC) is an evolving technology which uses the existing power lines for data transmission. Like any other communication networks, PLC networks need to be managed for efficient use of resources and secure operations. Major PLC chipset and modem vendors are trying to provide network management solutions using SNMP by defining their own management information, but it is not sufficient to manage a multi-vendor PLC network comprised of PLC devices from heterogeneous vendors. In this paper, we propose an integrated management method of multi-vendor PLC network. We define a common PLC MIB by analyzing existing proprietary PLC MIBs and design a common PLC MIB Mapper for managing existing PLC devices without the support of common PLC MIB. Our work can be a reference model for integrated PLC network management to PLC vendors, and contribute an international standardization for PLC network management.