Draft standard for broadband over power lines available

IEEE P1901 BPL standard advances power line communications with Smart Grid, utilities, broadband, and telecom support, delivering high-speed PLC networking, multi-vendor interoperability, and end-user driven specifications for consumer electronics, transportation, and smart meters.

International CES – IEEE, the world's leading professional association for the advancement of technology today announced that Draft 2.0 of its IEEE P1901 standard, ideally suited for Smart Grid, is now available for purchase, following substantial progress in its ongoing development.

During its recent meeting in Tel Aviv, Israel, the IEEE P1901 Work Group (WG) successfully completed a variety of key project objectives, including achieving resolution of comments made to Draft 1.0 and broadening of collaborative and liaison activities with other interested, complementary organizations. With the significant gains in consensus approval on comment resolution, the WG moved ahead on provisions and voted to publish Draft 2.0 for the public.

IEEE P1901 will introduce a new standard for high-speed communications via electric power lines. Referred to as “Broadband over Power Line” (BPL), the standard is targeted for deployment in a range of applications and industries including Smart Grid, utilities, broadband and Internet service providers, as seen in AT&T powerline trials and consumer electronics manufacturing, transportation, and telecommunications. IEEE P1901 was developed around particular requirements created collaboratively by a diverse array of potential users, making it the only power line technology driven by end-user specifications. With work on the draft advancing steadily, IEEE P1901 represents the most innovative and mature BPL standard developed to-date.

“Through the rigorous, dedicated efforts of the IEEE P1901 WG, we have achieved considerable progress in the development of a unified BPL standard designed to greatly benefit all constituencies,” said Jean-Philippe Faure, IEEE P1901 WG Chair. “The positive results and solid consensus generated thus far strongly indicates a clear need for a single, comprehensive standard. We are fortunate to have this singular opportunity to play a central role in the creation of openly defined BPL technology architecture.”

With momentum growing towards implementation of Smart Grid technologies on a worldwide basis, BPL is expected to emerge as a critical driver in their deployment. IEEE P1901 will ensure interoperability among both BPL devices and other network protocols, acting as a conduit for seamless interaction between Smart Grid applications and systems. The new standard is expected to benefit Smart Grid-related enterprises, such as smart meter providers and home appliance manufacturers. With its role as the leading worldwide resource for Smart Grid data and expertise, IEEE is uniquely suited to lead the development of BPL standards and architecture.

IEEE P1901 is expected to become an approved standard before the end of 2010.

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