What's PLC
Power line communication (PLC) stands for a multitude of different terms, including:
- mains communication
- power line telecoms (PLT)
- powerband or power line networking (PLN)
- power area networking (PAN)
All these terms represent different ways for achieving simultaneous distribution of data through the power network.
The carrier can communicate voice and data by superimposing a signal over the standard 50 or 60 Hz alternating current (AC). It includes Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) with data rates of up to 200 Mbps and Narrowband over Power Lines with much lower data rates.
Traditionally, electrical utilities used low-speed power-line
carrier circuits for control of substations, voice communication,
and protection of high-voltage transmission lines. High-speed data
transmission has been developed using the lower voltage
transmission lines used for power distribution. A short-range form
of
power-line carrier is used for home automation and intercoms.
