powerline communication

In it effort the spread the good news of powerline communication, the HomePlug Powerline Alliance has announced plans to attend two technology summits in China this year. The HomePlug powerline communication technology enables homeowners to use thier existing electrical wires to distribute broadband Internet, HD video, digital music and smart energy applications. The Alliance believe this is a chance for local Chinese companies to gain insight into these leading edge technology advancements.

Sigma Designs has unveiled a new Ultra-Thin reference design for the set-top box market. The new solution combines networking and set-top box functionalities in one ultra thin platform.  According to Sigma design it enables set-top box platforms to stream high-definition content from the web, in 1080p resolution via networking through the AC power adapter. Core technologies include Sigma’s SMP8670 media processor and HomePlug AV with ClearPath and Z-Wave.

Gridline Communication in partnership with Cable and Wireless Worldwide, Electricity Northwest and T-Systems U.K., has setup a Smart Grid and Broadband over Powerline pilot in the U.K. According to Gridline, The purpose of the pilot is to demonstrate the viability of both consumer broadband services and smart meter operations within a deep rural environment. Full implementation of the project is expected to finish by the end of this month.

For those living in the rural areas of the UK it must feel like forever that they have been asking for better internet connection and receiving empty promises. Thing seems to be Atheros today launches the industry’s first HomePlug Green PHY solutions development kit.  The M2M (machine-to-machine) communication development kit consists of a hardware platform based on existing HomePlug AV silicon.

Wi3 in partnership with Entropic Communications as developed the Wi3Port, a digital home Powerline Ethernet solution that allows you to connect your home devices via Wi-Fi, Wired and Wideband. Debuted at CES, the solution is a combination of the Wi-Fi Direct specification, the MoCA IPTV/Smart TV standard enclosed in their in-wall wallport patented design. According to Wi3, the Wi3Port is a truly built-in network solution for in home media streaming and digital file transfers.

D-Link said this morning that they are launching a new line of Whole Home Routers with its patented SmartBeam technology.  The new range of Wireless-N Routers is due out in the first quarter of this year. The SmartBeam-enabled wireless routers are ideal for anyone who suffers from "dead-spot" issues in your home, and will be able to work with a wide array of devices Android phones, iPad, iPhone, laptops, entertainment systems.

Cable & Wireless worldwide has partnered with the Current Group to develop smart metering and smart grid solution for UK utility companies. In a deal similar to AT&T and Elster and others in the US, Cable&Wireless will combine its networking solutions with Current’s smart sensors, smart meter data collection and analysis software to offer utilities an end-to-end smart grid solution.

Broadcom Corporation, a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Gigle Networks Inc., a privately-held company that develops system-on-a-chip (SoC) solutions for home networking over power lines.

As part of Puerto Rico’s Smart Grid Initiative, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) has selected PowerNET International in partnership with Amperion to implement a trial broadband solution over high voltage powerlines communications network. The project will allow the island to implement a new communication infrastructure using its existing high-voltage electric power lines and infrastructure.

Watteco and Texas Instruments (TI) have teamed up to collaborate on a new line of ultra-low-power and intelligent communications solution for the next generation of connected appliances. Designed for Smart Grid applications, the system combines Watteco's WPC PLC (Power Line Communication) technology with TI's MSP430 microcontroller (MCU) for low-power energy-management applications. Leveraging each other’s technology the solution will offer an easy to develop platform that enables interoperability between a combination of wireless and PLC devices in the home.