Broadband Power Line Communication Research Articles

Hybrid Wi-Fi and PLC network for efficient e-health communication in hospitals: a prototype

E-health is being adapted in modern hospitals as a significant addition to the existing healthcare services. To this end, modern hospitals urgently require a mobile, high-capacity, secure, and cost-effective communication infrastructure. In this paper, we explore potential applications of a hybrid broadband power line communication (PLC) and Wi-Fi in an indoor hospital scenario. It utilizes the existing power line cables and Wi-Fi plug-and-play devices for indoor broadband communication. Broadband power line (BPL) adaptors with Wi-Fi outputs are used to build an access network in hospitals, particularly in areas where the wireless router signal is poor. The Tenda PH10 AV1,000 AC Wi-Fi power line adapter is a set of BPL adapters that offer operational bandwidth of up to 1,000 Mbps. These adapters are based on the HomePlug AV2 protocol and can provide a data rate up to 200 Mbps on the physical layer. An experiment using the PLC Wi-Fi kit is carried out to show that a Wi-Fi and PLC hybrid network is the best candidate to provide wide range of practical applications in a hospital including, but not limited to, telemedicine, electronic medical records, early-stage disease diagnosis, health management, real-time monitoring, and remote surgeries.

A review on the empirical characterization of the low voltage distribution grid as a communication channel for power line communications

The electrical grid was not designed for the transmission of communication signals, which are affected by impedance variations, attenuation, and Non-Intentional Emissions (NIEs) in their propagation through the Low Voltage (LV) distribution grid. For this reason, the characterization of the electrical grid as a transmission medium is of vital importance for the correct development of Power Line Communications (PLC) technologies and the optimization of the opportunities offered by the LV distribution grid as a communication infrastructure. This paper deals with the state-of-the-art, challenges to be faced and future work of the characterization based on field trials in real scenarios. First, the features of Narrowband Power Line Communications (NB-PLC) and Broadband Power Line Communications (BB-PLC) technologies are outlined, including a brief comparison between the already developed NB-PLC protocols and providing an overview of the evolution of BB-PLC. Then, the parameters to be measured on the characterization of the LV grid are described, in addition to including the particularities and problems of the measurement systems designed for this aim. Finally, the state of the art and future work concerning the characterization of the outdoor LV grid as a transmission medium based on field trials are gathered.

Application of G.hn Broadband Powerline Communication for Industrial Control Using COTS Components

Broadband powerline communication is a technology developed mainly with consumer applications and bulk data transmission in mind. Typical use cases include file download, streaming, or last-mile internet access for residential buildings. Applications gaining momentum are smart metering and grid automation, where response time requirements are relatively moderate compared to industrial (real-time) control. This work investigates to which extent G.hn technology, with existing, commercial off-the-shelf components, can be used for real-time control applications. Maximum packet rate and latency statistics are investigated for different G.hn profiles and MAC algorithms. An elevator control system serves as an example application to define the latency and throughput requirements. The results show that G.hn is a feasible technology candidate for industrial IoT-type applications if certain boundary conditions can be ensured.

Broadband Power Line Communication in Railway Traction Lines: A Survey

Power line communication (PLC) is a technology that exploits existing electrical transmission and distribution networks as guiding structures for electromagnetic signal propagation. This facilitates low-rate data transmission for signaling and control operations. As the demand in terms of data rate has greatly increased in the last years, the attention paid to broadband PLC (BPLC) has also greatly increased. This concept also extended to railways as broadband traction power line communication (BTPLC), aiming to offer railway operators an alternative data network in areas where other technologies are lacking. However, BTPLC implementation faces challenges due to varying operating scenarios like urban, rural, and galleries. Hence, ensuring coverage and service continuity demands the suitable characterization of the communication channel. In this regard, the scientific literature, which is an indicator of the body of knowledge related to BTPLC systems, is definitely poor if compared to that addressed to BPLC systems installed on the electrical transmission and distribution network. The relative papers dealing with BTPLC systems and focusing on the characterization of the communication channel show some theoretical approaches and, rarely, measurements guidelines and experimental results. In addition, to the best of the author’s knowledge, there are no surveys that comprehensively address these aspects. To compensate for this lack of information, a survey of the state of the art concerning BTPLC systems and the measurement methods that assist their installation, assessment, and maintenance is presented. The primary goal is to provide the interested readers with a thorough understanding of the matter and identify the current research gaps, in order to drive future research towards the most significant issues.

Channel estimation for OFDM-based indoor broadband power line communication systems

State-of-the-art indoor broadband power line communications (PLC) systems use orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals with constellations up to 10 bits/symbol, which makes channel estimation a key aspect. This paper focuses on the initial channel estimation used in the payload, which might be further adapted by means of a decision-directed strategy. This initial estimate has to be computed on a per-frame basis and can be accomplished from the preamble, the header symbol (assuming that it has been correctly decoded) or from a combination of both. This work proposes simple channel estimation techniques for this problem and derives their most appropriate parameters. They are compared with the linear minimum mean squared-error (LMMSE) estimator and others commonly used in wireless scenarios by considering both their performance and computational complexity. The factors limiting the performance of the estimators based on the preamble and the header symbols are analyzed and the implications of the differences between PLC and wireless channels, such as the absence of fading, in the design of estimation techniques that require knowledge of the channel statistics are discussed. A performance analysis of the considered techniques is accomplished in a set of 171 measured indoor PLC channels. Obtained results indicate that estimators from the header perform better than those based on the preamble symbols and we provide a computationally simple estimator that gives nearly optimum performance by combining estimates from both the preamble and the header symbols.

COMPARISON OF TIME AND TIME-FREQUENCY DOMAINS IMPULSIVE NOISE MITIGATION TECHNIQUES FOR POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS

Impulsive noise is one of the foremost situations in power line communications that degrades the performance of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing used for the power line communications channel. In this paper, a channel version of the broadband power line communications is assumed when evaluating the bit error rate performance. Three impulsive noise environments are assumed, namely heavily, moderately, and weakly disturbed. The well-known time domain mitigation techniques are tested first. These are clipping, blanking, and mixing clipping with blanking. The results of Matlab simulations show that these time-domain mitigation techniques don't significantly improve the bit error rate performance. A hybrid domain of time and frequency mitigation techniques are used to enhance the bit error rate performance. The Matlab simulation results show that this hybrid domain of time and frequency approach outperforms time domain nonlinearities and can largely improve the bit error rate performance. Signal-to-noise ratio gains of about 8 dB, 10 dB, and 10 dB are obtained for heavily, moderately, and weakly disturbed channels, respectively, using the domains of time and frequency mitigation technique at a bit error rate of when compared to the blanking time domain technique.

Variational Bayesian Learning for the Modelling of Indoor Broadband Powerline Communication Impulsive Noise

Variational Bayesian Learning for the Modelling of Indoor Broadband Powerline Communication Impulsive Noise

Efficient Low-Complexity Optimized Channel Estimating Methods for OFDM-Based Low-Voltage Broadband Power Line Communication Systems

Broadband Power Line Communication (BB-PLC) technology enables data transmission for smart grid applications. Nevertheless, channel equalizers are required in the receiver to estimate and compensate for the nonlinear time-variant impulse response and noise interference effects introduced by the BB-PLC channel. In this paper, we append the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and its proposed improved version to the commonly used Least-Square (LS) and Linear Minimum Mean Square Error (LMMSE) algorithms to advance four new blocktype pilot-aided hybrid channel estimation algorithms for low-voltage Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM)-based BB-PLC systems. Extensive numerical simulation results for four different M-QAM formats (M = 8, 16, 32, 64) show that the proposed algorithms significantly improve the performance of the traditional LS and LMMSE estimators, at least for the parameters of the BB-PLC system studied in this work. In addition, the computational load complexity of the PSO-inspired LMMSE algorithm is lower compared to the conventional LMMSE estimator.

Exploring Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance Techniques for Resource Sharing in Broadband Power Line Communications

A resource sharing in power line communications (PLC) for the home network is restricted by the channel assignment techniques which decide who has the right to gain access to send data. The channel assignment techniques include contention-free and contention-based. The former requires high synchronization due to the deterministic round-trip time. Besides, contention-based utilizes CSMA/CA techniques that allow stations in a network to compete for channel access and are suitable for decentralized network topology. However, a trade-off exists between the number of stations required to gain access versus system efficiency. Whilst some research has been carried out on CSMA/CA resource sharing techniques that allow only one user to transmit, there is very little work done on multiuser access to optimize system efficiency and reduce collisions in a network. The purpose of the current study was to review the CSMA/CA techniques for resource sharing to improve system efficiency in power line communications. In carrying out this study, a systematic literature review methodology to evaluate different related works and determine the most suitable approach to allow multiuser channel access was used. The study further demonstrated the impact multichannel access has on system efficiency. In addition, the study provides recommendations for future research.
 Keywords: CSMA/CA; Medium access control; OFDMA; power line; resource sharing;

Upgrading the Power Grid Functionalities with Broadband Power Line Communications: Basis, Applications, Current Trends and Challenges.

This article reviews the basis and the main aspects of the recent evolution of Broadband Power Line Communications (BB-PLC or, more commonly, BPL) technologies. The article starts describing the organizations and alliances involved in the development and evolution of BPL systems, as well as the standardization institutions working on PLC technologies. Then, a short description of the technical foundation of the recent proposed technologies and a comparison of the main specifications are presented; the regulatory activities related to the limits of emissions and immunity are also addressed. Finally, some representative applications of BPL and some selected use cases enabled by these technologies are summarized, together with the main challenges to be faced.

MIMO-PLC Communications in an Experimental Medium Voltage Network: Measurement and Analysis

This paper presents measurements at a mock-up medium voltage network to verify the feasibility of Broadband Power Line Communication (BPLC). We use the data extracted within the frequency range 2 − 30 MHz to characterize a MIMO PLC network using different phase combinations, defining the best and worst use case scenarios. The empirical data shows that not only phases directly connected for input-output can be used, but also that we can exploit the coupling between phases to transmit and receive data, therefore creating a dynamic PLC network which will depend on the characteristics of the power grid. By making use of transmission line theory, we also demonstrate how we can mitigate the reflections by measuring the input impedance of the network to allow better use of the bandwidth available for BPLC operation.

The Effective Secrecy Throughput of a Broadband Power Line Communication System Under the Presence of Colluding Wireless Eavesdroppers

This paper investigates the physical layer security of in-home and broadband power line communications (PLC) systems threatened by colluding wireless communication (WLC) eavesdroppers, which are localized near or far from the transmitter and operate in the same frequency band. In this regard, we show that PLC and hybrid PLC-WLC channels can be considered as uncorrelated random processes. In the sequel, we confirm the severity of a WLC eavesdropper or a group of them located near the transmitter. Also, we show that a group of colluding WLC eavesdroppers located far from the transmitter poses the same security risk of only one WLC eavesdropper located near the transmitter. Finally, a discussion of wiretap code rates for achieving effective secrecy throughput is presented.

Physical-Layer Secret Key Generation in Power Line Communication Networks

Due to the inherent broadcast nature, power line communication (PLC) is vulnerable to eavesdropping. Traditionally, the secret keys are generated/distributed by pre-shared keys, adaptive tone mapping, or asymmetric encryption algorithm. All of these methods face problems such as high computational complexity, high cost, or less security. To solve the problem, a physical layer security (PLS)-based secret key generation (SKG) scheme aiming at the typical in-home broadband PLC network is proposed in this paper. However, the slowly time-varying characteristic and the serious noise interference in PLC channels will degrade the performance of the PLS-based SKG scheme. To break through the limitation of the randomness of PLC channels, two-way random signals are introduced. To make the SKG system more resistant to noise, the channel frequency response-based adaptive quantization (CFR-AQ) algorithm is designed, in which the amplitude threshold and the quantization level are adaptive to the noise power and the target key disagreement rate (KDR) to maximize the key generation rate (KGR). The performance is analyzed in two scenarios: single eavesdropper and multiple eavesdroppers. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme has a good overall performance in terms of KDR, KGR, and security with a lower complexity in the presence of single or multiple non-collusive eavesdroppers, and it can be regarded as an alternative solution to generate secret keys in PLC networks.

Power line communication: A review on couplers and channel characterization

<abstract> <p>Powerline communication is gaining momentum with the rise of the smart grid, the Internet of Things as part of the 4th industrial revolution and associated applications such as transportation and energy efficiency. Coupling and channel characterization are essential parts of a power-line communication system. Therefore, understanding these components allows performance evaluation and prediction of the system. This paper presents an entire review of couplers and channel characterization modeling techniques used in narrow and broadband power-line communication systems. Types and applications of different couplers are presented; a review of different power-line communication channel modeling techniques and the fundamentals allows a clear understanding of factors influencing or affecting the signal propagation through the channel. The purpose of this review is to guide researchers and system designers looking for literature resources on couplers and channel characterization for power-line communication applications.</p> </abstract>

Proficient Networking Protocol for BPLC Network Built on Adaptive Multicast, PNP-BPLC

In order to solve the problems of the existing broadband power line carrier communication standard IEEE1901.1 data link layer protocol network, multiple primary nodes receiving the beacon will send connotation entreaty message, and CCO will send an association sanction message proximately after receiving the message to confirm their character the central coordinator CCO association confirmation message reply is not timely to reduce the success rate of network access, high network access delay and control overhead. Based on the characteristics of BPLC carrier network, Proficient networking instrument of broadband PLC built on adaptive multicast PNP-BPLC is proposed in this paper. The simulation results show that adaptive multicast is used when CCO replies to the primary station, which can excellently recover the success rate of low-voltage PLB carrier communication nodes, decrease the network access delay and cut the network control overhead. Finally we used to OPNET simulation software to prove simulation result.

Multi-relay selection scheme for cooperative QAM-FBMC based broadband PLC systems

Selecting the appropriate modulation technique is a major concern in designing reliable broadband power line communication (BPLC) systems. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) was gaining more attention as a multi-carrier modulation (MCM) technique for cooperative BPLC. Nevertheless, OFDM has some drawbacks that degrade the BPLC performance. Here, the author first proposes a new Quadrature Amplitude Modulation-Filter-Bank Multicarrier (QAM-FBMC) transceiver to improve the bit error rate (BER) performance and to achieve higher throughput in BPLC-based systems. Furthermore, an opportunistic multi-parameter-based multi-relay selection (OMP-MRS) scheme is proposed to future improve the performance of cooperative BPLC-based systems. In this regard, the analytical expressions for outage probability and system throughput are derived and validated with Monte Carlo simulations. The optimal parameters that maximise the BPLC performance are obtained via exhaustive search. The proposed scheme harvesting the high amount of noise exists in PLC, especially impulsive noise to further improve the energy efficiency. Numerical and simulation results validate the consistency of the analytical model and its derivations. Results reveal that the proposed OMP-MRS scheme outperforms the existing multi-relay selection schemes presented in literature with an acceptable computational complexity.

Analysis of typical PLC pulses for sensing high-impedance faults based on time-domain reflectometry

This paper focuses on a comprehensive analysis of typical power line communication (PLC) pulses for sensing high impedance faults in power distribution networks (PDNs) when the pulse compression time-domain reflectometry (TDR) system applies. In this sense, closed-form expressions for the PLC pulses, namely Hermitian symmetric orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (HS-OFDM), impulsive ultra-wideband (UWB), and chirp spread spectrum (CSS), and their corresponding autocorrelation functions are presented. Also, parameters based on radar theory (e.g., range resolution, pulse compression ratio, reflectogram distortion, and maximum unambiguous range) are introduced to evaluate the usefulness of these PLC pulses for providing proper TDR measurements (reflectograms). A comparative numerical analysis considering frequency bands that comprise narrowband and broadband PLC systems, with a highlight on well-established regulatory constraints, is discussed. Numerical results show that the use of UWB pulses yields a larger number of reflectograms in a given time interval, while HS-OFDM and CSS pulses provide higher reflectogram quality and better resolution, under the same conditions. Also, narrowband PLC systems are suitable for the majority of PDNs, with the use of broadband PLC ones left for attaining high resolutions at short distances.

Impact of broadband power line communication on high frequency equipment using impact analysis

Abstract With the rapid development of broadband carrier communication technology, the power line communication market is growing. However, the frequency band of power line communication overlaps with other radio services, mainly the High Frequency (HF) radio services. In addition, power line communication may have electromagnetic leakage in the open air. Large-scale power line communication system will give a much greater interference to some critical HF radio services. In this paper, the standards and researches relative to the power line communication system are reviewed. Based on existing studies, impact analysis which includes the impact probability and severity of the power line communication system on HF equipment is proposed. In addition, explicit explanations are provided. The proposed impact analysis methods are applied to simulations and evaluations. Numerical results demonstrate that a large-scale power line communication system will cause additional ambient noise, which affects the performance and reliability of HF equipment with a high probability.

Broadband Power Line Communication for Integration of Energy Sensors within a Smart City Ecosystem.

The popularity of the Power Line Communication (PLC) system has decreased due to significant deficiencies in the technology itself, even though new wire installation is not required. In particular, regarding the request for high-speed throughput to fulfill smart-grid requirements, Broadband Power Line (BPLC) can be considered. This paper approaches PLC technology as an object of simulation experimentation in the Broadband Power Line Communication (BPLC) area. Several experimental measurements in a real environment are also given. This paper demonstrates these experimental simulation results as potential mechanisms for creating a complex simulation tool for various PLC technologies focusing on communication with end devices such as sensors and meters. The aim is to demonstrate the potential and limits of BPLC technology for implementation in Smart Grids or Smart Metering applications.

Power Line Communication: Análise de Desempenho de uma Rede Doméstica com Adaptadores padrão homeplug AV / Power Line Communication: Performance Analysis of a Home Network with homeplug AV Adapters

With the increase in the number of Internet users, due to digital inclusion, it is necessary to find the best possible way to provide this service. Among all forms of data transmission, PLC (Power Line Communication) is the one that has stood out the most in recent years, mainly due to its infrastructure, which allows users in semi-urban or even rural regions, and by the fact of ensuring high speed rates (up to 200 Mbps), through the broadband PLC, the BPL (Broadband Power Line), which uses the HomePlug AV standard. However, because the infrastructure used is the power lines, PLC is subject to numerous problems, such as interference, noise and attenuation. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the performance of this broadband technology with regard to its use in domestic environments, analyzing its effectiveness amidst electrical interference. This paper presents an analysis of the performance of a PLC network that uses the HomePlug AV standard, with the objective of evaluating its viability in a domestic environment, since it presents several challenges for this technology Esde