Networking

Broadband snakes through power lines

By · February 26, 2007, 3:46 AM PST

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  • Overhead route

    More companies are joining the trend to make your electrical outlets the center of business or household communications.

    The idea of using existing power lines as the source of broadband signals is gaining momentum. But first electric companies need to read your meter in real time. This diagram from Current Communications shows the overhead route from the carrier to the power station and eventually to your home or business.

    A special modem connects broadband to the power system enabling Internet access at cable-access speed through any electrical outlet. It also provides an instant PC network and can be used for VoIP phones.

  • Underground

    There's also the underground route that broadband signals can take through existing power lines.

  • Couplers

    Workers must hang off telephone polls to install couplers and bridges to direct the signal.

  • Equipment

    Equipment needed to install the broadband signal.

  • Software

    Current supplies power management software to monitor the system.

Overhead route

More companies are joining the trend to make your electrical outlets the center of business or household communications.

The idea of using existing power lines as the source of broadband signals is gaining momentum. But first electric companies need to read your meter in real time. This diagram from Current Communications shows the overhead route from the carrier to the power station and eventually to your home or business.

A special modem connects broadband to the power system enabling Internet access at cable-access speed through any electrical outlet. It also provides an instant PC network and can be used for VoIP phones.

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