Power-line communication (PLC) uses electrical wiring to simultaneously carry both data and electric power. It is also known as power-line carrier, power-line digital subscriber line (PDSL), mains communication, power-line telecommunications, or power-line networking (PLN).
A wide range of power-line communication technologies are used in different applications, ranging from home automation to Internet access which is often called broadband over power lines (BPL). Most PLC technologies limit themselves to one type of wire (such as premises wiring within a single building), but some can cross between two levels (for example, both the distribution network and premises wiring). Typically transformers prevent propagating the signal, which requires multiple technologies to form very large networks. Various data rates and frequencies are used in different situations.
Applications of PLCC
PLCC technology can be deployed into different types of applications in order to provide economic networking solutions. Hence merging with other technologies it proves useful in different areas. These are few key areas where PLC communications are utilized:
a.Transmission & Distribution Network: PLCC was first adopted in the electrical transmission and distribution system to transmit information at a fast rate.
b.Home control and Automation: PLCC technology is used in home control and automation. This technology can reduce the resources as well as efforts for activities like power management, energy conservation, etc.
c.Entertainment: PLCC is used to distribute the multimedia content throughout the home.
d.Telecommunication: Data transmission for different types of communications like telephonic communication, audio, video communication can be made with the use of PLCC technology.
e.Security Systems: In monitoring houses or businesses through surveillance cameras, PLCC technology is far useful.
f.Automatic Meter Reading – Automatic Meter reading applications use the PLCC technology to send the data from home meters to Host Central Station.