IEEE sets foundation for global powerline network standard

Soon consumers will be able to leverage their existing home electrical wiring to watch video throughout their home. They will also be able to take advantage of future smart grid applications such as energy management. The IEEE P1901 Working Group passed the initial sponsor ballot for a global powerline standard.

With over 80 percent affirmative votes in hand for the initial sponsor ballot, the IEEE P1901 working group expects that a global powerline standard will be officially ratified in Q3 2010.

A key element of the IEEE 1901 global standard is the incorporation of Home Plug Powerline AV technology. What this means for consumers is that they will be able to purchase IEEE 1901 compliant products that interoperate with the established base of HomePlug AV products in use today. Similar to how the WiFi Alliance certifies 802.11 wireless networking devices, HomePlug Powerline Alliance will become the certification body for IEEE 1901 devices.

While HomePlug does compete with the laundry list of other home networking wiring standards that leverage existing phone lines (G.hn and HomePNA), coax (MoCA) and even wireless technologies, Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, believes Home Plug will have its influence in homes where coax cabling is less prevalent.

In addition to providing a home networking connection, HomePlug has developed HomePlug Green PHY specification to enable smart grid and smart energy applications such as monitoring energy usage on home appliances.  

For more:
- see the release here

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