Power Line Communication Technology

ABSTRACT Power Line Communication and Technology, PLCT for short, is an emerging technology with significant new business potential for both the electricity supply and telecommunications sectors. The liberalization and deregulation of these sectors, currently underway in Nigeria is a major driving force in the development and exploitation of PLCT technology. Since power lines were devised for transmission of power at 50-60 Hz, and at most 400 Hz, the use this medium for data transmission, at high frequencies, presents some technically challenging problems. Besides large attenuation, power lines are one of the most electrically contaminated environments, which makes communication extremely difficult. Further, more the restrictions imposed on the use of various frequency bands in the power line spectrum limit the achievable data rates. This paper gives a concise overview, summary of limitations, and evaluation of recent trends in Power Line Communication Technology