Final IEEE 1901TM Broadband Over Powerline Standard Published

IEEE has announced that the final IEEE 1901TM Broadband over Power Line (BPL) standard finalized in December 2010 is now published. It is available online at or through the IEEE Xplore Digital Library at.

This globally recognised BPL standard is designed for use in a wide range of applications including smart energy, transportation and Local Area Networks (LANs) in both the home and the enterprise. Networking products that fully comply with IEEE 1901 will deliver data rates in excess of 500 Mbps in LAN applications. In first-mile/last-mile applications, IEEE 1901-compliant devices will achieve ranges of up to 1500 meters. The technology specified by IEEE 1901 uses sophisticated modulation techniques to transmit data over standard AC power lines of any voltage at transmission frequencies of less than 100 MHz.

In the home segment, PLC will complement wireless LANs by providing a link through walls and other RF impediments as well as over distances beyond the normal range of wireless networks. It will also complement wireless networks in hotels and other multistory buildings by carrying multimedia data over the longer distances and allowing wireless to complete the communication link over the last few meters.

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For the fast growing Indian market, BPL technology will enable access to affordable communication to the country’s vast rural network.

A global standard such as IEEE 1901 being immediately available will support faster adoption of BPL in India. Also, since broadband penetration is a major area of focus for Indian corporate and BPL is considered among the best options to enhance penetration, the 1901 standard will be a boon. At present, broadband connection has a speed of 100 MBPS, but BPL promises 200 MBPS and an easy-to-use connection within 30 minutes.