Novensys in Mass Media
The internet comes at 220 V also
09.02.2008
Technology - without cabling, but no wireless
After doing some tests in 2005 - 2006, the autorities are thinking at a project of a normative act which should allow providing elctronic communication services trough electric networks. Broadband communications through electric line or PLC (Power Line Communications) does not represent something new for Romania, taking into consideration that we have already had a few pilot projects in 2005 and 2006: Electrica in Bucharest and Communication Ministry in Band village (Mures). Since then, we haven`t heared a thing about other projects of this type, publics or private one. The option for PLC would base on the fact that the cabling is no need, so the prices are smaller without speaking about the aesthetic gain. From technological point of view, we speak about providing broadband apportioned up to 205 Mbps (maximum present, but also in accordance with the equipments), as about the coverage of distances from 300 to 600 meters (low power networks) and from 500 to 1500 meters (medium power netwoeks). PLC applications vary from automatically reading of the electric meters, telephony, internet to triple-play services.
SYSTEM. The scheme is very simple: the internet service provider bring the coaxial cable (optic fiber) to the dwelling. There it is used a gateway from the PLC manufacturer. The gateway is conected to the electric network of the building, and each client must use at plug a dedicated adaptor. The UTP cable makes conexion between this last equipment and the computer. Regarding the equipments cost, a Current gateway costs 800 euro, and the adaptor 130-140 euro. In comparison with the costs of cabling a 50 apartments building by PLC, cabling costs, conection and network maintanance are reducing with 50%, says Daniel Boangiu, Business Development Manager Novensys, a company that deliver PLC equipments on the romanian market. For now, the only implementation in the privat enviroment can be find in Henry Coanda district, togheter with GTS Telecom. At global level there are PLC projects in SUA and in Europe, being just an alternative to classical solutions for those uncabled buildings: hotels, schools, public administration, utilities, but also real estate.
Technical range
The manner of working is analogous to the old coaxial cable networks. The difference consists in the fact that the useful signal changed between the two equipments overlaps the 220V/50Hz alternative power wave. The connecting follows some steps: the gateway „injects" into the system a signal (on some specific frequencies) and waits for the answer. The adaptor receives the signal (separates it, amplifies it and decode it) and if „understands it" transmites an answer. Nevertheless, the fact that the frequencies used for this type of communication are 1-30 MHz for broadband applications lead to some interferences with bands used by different institutions (police, firemen), including radio amateurs.
