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NJ Ratepayer Advocate BPL White Paper: Hybrid wireless-BPL systems can be very attractive in dense metro environments
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A BPL white paper prepared for and published by Seema M. Singh, Esq. the Ratepayer Advocate for the State of New Jersey does a thorough job of comparing BPL against other broadband technologies and concludes that dense metro environments are suitable for the technology. The report used for much of the data in the white paper is dated 2004 but the white paper itself is not dated so this may be old news to some.
Here is the introduction of the report in its entirety:
1. In this Second Report and Order (Second Order), we fundamentally affirm our rules for Access Broadband over Power Line (Access BPL) systems. We also make certain minor modifications to improve and clarify the rules. These rules provide an appropriate balance between the dual objectives of providing for Access BPL technology that has potential applications for broadband and Smart Grid while protecting incumbent radio services against harmful interference.
2. The Commission adopted rules for Access BPL systems in 2004 and affirmed those rules in 2006. The BPL rules were challenged by the national association for amateur radio, formally known as the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) in the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in ARRL v. FCC. In ARRL v. FCC, the court directed the Commission to: 1) make part of the rulemaking record unredacted versions of several staff technical studies which the Commission considered in promulgating the rules, 2) provide a reasonable opportunity for public comment on those studies, and 3) provide a reasoned explanation of its choice of the extrapolation factor for use in measuring radiated emissions from Access BPL systems. In response, the Commission issued a Request for Further Comment and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding (RFC/FNPRM). In the RFC/FNPRM, the Commission took its first step in responding to the directives of the court in ARRL v. FCC and also took that opportunity to review the Access BPL extrapolation factor and propose certain changes to the BPL technical rules that appeared appropriate in view of new information and further consideration of this matter. In this Second Order, we complete our action addressing the court’s concerns and our proposals in the RFC/FNPRM. We find that the information submitted in response to the RFC/FNPRM does not warrant any changes to the emissions standards or the extrapolation factor. We are, however, making several refinements to our Access BPL rules. In particular, we are: 1) modifying the rules to increase the required notch filtering capability for systems operating below 30 MHz from 20 dB to 25 dB; 2) establishing a new alternative procedure for determining site-specific extrapolation factors generally as described in the RFC/FNPRM, and 3) adopting a definition for the “slant-range distance” used in the BPL measurement guidelines to further clarify its application. We find that the benefits of the above changes to the rules outweigh their regulatory costs, as discussed herein.
3. Throughout this proceeding and in its appeal to the court, the ARRL has argued that more restrictive technical standards are needed to protect the amateur radio service from interference caused by leakage of radiofrequency (RF) emissions from Access BPL systems. We initially crafted rules for BPL systems that were based on our existing emission standards for carrier current communications systems – narrow-band devices that couple RF energy onto power line wiring for communication purposes – with a number of additional requirements to promote avoidance and resolution of harmful interference to licensed services that might occur in the context of BPL operations. We subsequently affirmed those rules in response to petitions for reconsideration by various parties, including ARRL. In this process, we have specifically rejected as unnecessary repeated requests by ARRL for tighter emissions controls on Access BPL operations. In response to the court’s direction, we provided opportunity in the RFC/FNPRM for interested parties to address the BPL technical rules and the information developed by our staff that we considered in establishing those rules, explained our rationale for the extrapolation factor used in measuring BPL emissions, expressed our tentative satisfaction with the extrapolation factor adopted, while soliciting comment on whether another value would be more appropriate, and proposed a procedure for determining site-specific extrapolation factors. Herein, we complete our response to issues raised under the court’s directive.
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Monday 24 October 2011 - 11:42:41
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Testing of broadband over power lines extended
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Found at Malaya Business Insight (malaya.com). Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The commercial launch of broadband over power lines (BPL), a project of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) and Manila Electric Co., (Meralco) will be delayed as the testing period will be extended due to technical issues.
Alfred Panlilio, Meralco senior vice president and head of customer retail services, said they are extending testing to next year to make sure there is no "interference" when the project is commercially launched.
"We are not happy with the performance test. We will do some tests next year. We want to make sure that the service is reliable before we launch it," Panlilio said.
The testing for the new technology started in August 2009.
PLDT and Meralco have been testing BPL in specific geographical locations with several types of loads in different weather conditions and also in high-rise buildings and residential areas to determine the viability of the technology.
The BPL project aims to deliver broadband services directly to the 4.5 million household customers of Meralco via power lines.
BPL project will allow PLDT to save up to P8 billion in investment for broadband infrastructure by using the poles and the 1,000-kilometer fiber-optic lines of the power distribution utility firm.
The PLDT and Meralco partnership came on the heels of PLDT’s acquisition of a 20 percent stake in the power utility for P20.07 billion from the Lopezes’ First Philippine Holdings Inc. and First Philippine Utilities Corp. in 2009.
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Tuesday 18 October 2011 - 11:31:55
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Making the Smart Grid Smarter: Israeli Smart Grid Consortium Addresses Electrical Companies' Next-Generation Infrastructure Needs
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Recently-formed Consortium will focus on communications and monitor & control issues PETACH TIKVAH, Israel, Aug 30, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Seven leading Israeli companies and five universities in Israel announced today the formation of the ISG Consortium, whose goal is to develop next-generation unified communication and smart grid management networks for utilities. With financial support provided by the Israeli Office of the Chief Scientist (OCS) through its Magnet program, the founding consortium members are ECI Telecom, Motorola Solutions Israel Ltd., CEVA, Yitran Communications, PowerCom, RUGGEDCOM, Control Applications, Ben-Gurion University, the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Ariel University Center of Samaria, Holon Institute of Technology and Tel-Aviv University.
Smart grid technology is fueled by the continuous growing demand for green energy and the requirement to economically deliver and control reliable and sustainable electricity service. Smart grid technology attempts to predict and intelligently respond to the behavior and actions of all electric power users connected to the grid, by employing innovative products and services, coupled with intelligent monitoring, control, communication, and self-healing technologies. With the emergence of smart grids, every consumer is a potential "prosumer" -- both a consumer of green energy services and a supplier of excess capacity to the rest of the grid. The smart grid adds the intelligence necessary to the network that empowers such users.
Research Scope
The ISG consortium will focus on the smart grid of the future, addressing all issues related to communications and monitor and control of transmission, distribution and generation of energy to and from the home network.
Research topics will include:
-- Developing distributed architectures and topologies to allow scalability, survivability and resiliency of utilities' communications networks
-- Forecasting models for consumption and Demand Response control mechanisms
-- Developing technologies and protocols for real time prediction, monitoring and control of potential failures, automatic isolation and self-healing of communication and electricity networks
-- Advanced monitoring of electricity quality for grid stability and methods for local and decentralized network management
-- Optimizing Power Line Communication's (PLC) effectiveness and capacity
The Consortium has already initiated its activities and will continue for the next three to five years. It will work closely with and contribute to the international industry standard organizations dealing with smart grid, such as ANSI, ETSI, IEC 62056 and DLMS/COSEM, as well as with electrical power companies around the world.
Expert Perspectives
"By working with leading companies in this field, we are able to incorporate their practical experience and input into our research, and we can conversely provide them with the expertise to develop the necessary algorithms and models to address critical issues such as reliability, vulnerability, self-healing networks, monitoring and control, It's a win-win situation for this field."
Prof. Danny Dolev, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
About Smart Grid Networks
Smart Grid refers to a new and improved electricity supply chain that runs from a major power plant as well as other renewable energy resources all the way to the home. The Smart Grid concept is to add monitoring, analysis, control, and communication capabilities to the electrical delivery system to maximize the throughput of the system, and to add green energy resources while reducing the energy consumption. The Smart Grid will allow utilities to move electricity around the system as efficiently and economically as possible. It will also allow homeowners and businesses to use electricity as economically as possible.
About ECI Telecom
ECI Telecom delivers innovative communications platforms to carriers and service providers worldwide. ECI provides efficient platforms and solutions that enable customers to rapidly deploy cost-effective, revenue-generating services.
Founded in 1961, Israel-based ECI has consistently delivered customer-focused networking solutions to the world's largest carriers. The Company is also a market leader in many emerging markets. ECI provides scalable broadband access, transport and data networking infrastructure that provides the foundation for the communications of tomorrow, including next-generation voice, IPTV, mobility, business and utilities/utelcos solutions.
With over 60 power utility customers, ECI provides end-to-end communications networks, from SCADA Interfaces to high-capacity WDM networks and smart metering (AMI/AMR) ecosystems. For more information, please visit www.ecitele.com .
About Motorola Solutions Israel Ltd.
Motorola Solutions Israel Ltd (MSIL) was founded in 1964 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Motorola Solutions Inc., a multinational communications corporation headquartered in the United States. MSIL was the first branch of Motorola Inc., outside the USA, and the first to establish a development center in Israel. MSIL is one of the leading high-tech and communications companies in Israel. Motorola Solutions Israel Ltd comprises several business units and subsidiaries involved in the company's development, production, marketing and sales activities. Motorola Solutions Israel develops and sells communication, command and control equipment for transmission and distribution electricity networks as well as substations management systems. The company is in continuous contact with power companies around the world and has over four decades knowledge and experience in the field of Distribution Automation (DA) and computerized remote control of Medium Voltage (MV) substations and power grids applications. A part of ISG activities, MSIL will coordinate electricity network command and control cluster of the consortium.
For more information, please visit: http://www.motorola.com/Business/XU-EN/Business +Solutions/Industry+Solutions/Utilities.
About CEVA, Inc.
CEVA is the world's leading licensor of silicon intellectual property (SIP) DSP cores and platform solutions for the mobile handset, portable and consumer electronics markets. CEVA's IP portfolio includes comprehensive technologies for cellular baseband (2G / 3G / 4G), multimedia, HD video and audio, voice over packet (VoP), Bluetooth, Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) and Serial ATA (SATA). In 2010, CEVA's IP was shipped in over 600 million devices, powering handsets from 7 out of the top 8 handset OEMs, including Nokia, Samsung, LG, Motorola, Sony Ericsson and ZTE. Today, more than one in every three handsets shipped worldwide is powered by a CEVA DSP core. For more information, visit www.ceva-dsp.com.Follow CEVA on twitter at www.twitter.com/cevadsp .
About RUGGEDCOM
RuggedCom is a leading provider of rugged communications networking solutions designed for mission-critical applications in harsh environments. RuggedCom's technology solutions include Ethernet switches, network routers, wireless devices, serial servers, media converters,software and professional services. RuggedCom's products are designed for use in harsh environments such as those found in electrical power substations and "Smart Grids", intelligent transportation systems, industrial process control and military applications.
About Yitran Communications Ltd.
Yitran Communications Ltd. designs, develops and markets high performance, low cost PLC modem chips. Yitran's products provide extremely robust and reliable communication over existing electrical wiring and power grids to enable a variety of command and control applications. Yitran's customer and partner lists include leading companies such as Renesas, Matsushita Electric Works, Hitachi, KEPCO, Kinden, LG and Microsoft. For further details: http://www.yitran.com/ .
About PowerCom
Powercom is a leading manufacturer, providing "Smart Grid" and "Smart Metering" implementation. Powercom offers and "End to End" solution based on its "Smart Meters", Concentrators, and powerful web based applications for Smart Meter Management and Control (MDM). Over the last few years, PowerCom has been successful in implementing an advanced, reliable and secured PLC communication. The breakthrough was achieved by developing a dynamic PLC technology which allows bidirectional data flow over the low voltage grid lines. The technology allows real time readings through the power lines from any smart meters in seconds.
Powercom currently offers Multi Utility platforms for Electricity, Water and Gas. The platform uses all available communication as PLC, RF, GPRS, TCP/IP at open protocols. For more information, please visit http://www.powercom.co.il/ .
About Control Applications
Control Applications (CA) develops monitoring systems for electrical networks, electrical meters, power factor controllers and computerized control systems. CA develops advanced smart grid components including:
-- Power quality analyzers that are installed at the neighborhood level which includes forecasting algorithms for energy consumption and failure detection
-- Smart meter with built in control unit for demand response and demand side management
-- Consumer interface units that allow consumers to monitor their energy usage and their costs as well as defining their preference
For more information, please visit our web site www.ddc.co.il
About the MAGNET Program
The MAGNET Program, in the Office of the Chief Scientist of the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Labor, sponsors innovative generic industry-oriented technologies to strengthen the country's technological expertise and enhance competitiveness.
MAGNET operates in five main tracks. The common denominator collaboration is a win-win proposition. Both industrial companies and academic research groups are better able to continue developing new and innovative products through synergetic collaboration than if it each worked alone.
Any company with a forward vision can find a framework that can promote its needs and it is welcome to participate in the MAGNET activities.
MAGNET welcomes new proposals and looks forward to providing you with assistance in establishing a new operation within its framework or by enabling you to join an existing activity. MAGNET is the only public funding program to encourage and promote R&D ties between universities and the private sector.
Certain statements contained in this release may contain forward-looking information with respect to plans, projections or future performance of the Company. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, product and market acceptance risks, the impact of competitive pricing, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties as well as other risks.
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Tuesday 30 August 2011 - 18:40:00
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Amperion’s Broadband Powerline Carrier selected by American Electric Power (AEP)
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Amperion Inc. of Lawrence MA was selected by American Electric Power (AEP) to provide commercial products based on its Broadband Power Line Carrier (B-PLC) technology. Amperion is now accepting orders for new substation communications projects.
Lawrence, MA (PRWEB) August 29, 2011 Amperion Inc., a provider of advanced smart grid communications solutions, announced today that it was selected by American Electric Power (AEP) to provide commercial products based on its Broadband Power Line Carrier (B-PLC) technology.
The utility plans to use Amperion’s B-PLC products as a replacement strategy for aging pilot wire technology in 69kV line protection and control applications. The first commercial deployment will begin in the summer of 2011, with a project that includes replacement of pilot wire systems with B-PLC and the upgrade of electro-mechanical relays with digital solid state relays from two prominent relay suppliers.
The motivations for modernizing the pilot wire protection schemes with broadband powerline carrier are improving the reliability and accuracy of line protection and reducing maintenance costs associated with pilot wire. Past pilot wire replacement often required a fiber path between stations, which had a high installation cost and required line outages to install, in most cases. The use of fiber was required to support the latest digital protection, control and monitoring schemes, such as line current differential protection and phasor measurements. But testing has shown that the new Amperion technology can also support these protection schemes, so costly fiber is not required. According to initial estimates, the capital cost of B-PLC could be as low as one tenth the cost of fiber optic communications. Another advantage of B-PLC compared to fiber is its simple and fast installation process, accelerating the implementation of substation retrofit projects.
Earlier this month, AEP and Amperion signed a supply agreement to provide B-PLC systems over the next number of years. The first commercial orders have already been shipped and will be installed inside their substations later in the year.
Nachum Sadan, Amperion CEO, stated “AEP has once again demonstrated a leadership position by being the first utility to deploy B-PLC commercially. We have been developing and testing this technology for the last five years and are now ready to move on to full production.”
Leveraging the use of existing transmission lines for substation communications is not new. Electric utilities have been using Power Line Carrier (PLC) technology for decades since the 1920’s. Amperion is positioning its new and patent-protected B-PLC technology as the Next Generation PLC. Like conventional PLC, Amperion’s Broadband PLC also leverages the use of existing transmission wires for communications; however B-PLC operates at much higher data rates at voltages of 138 KV and below.
Amperion is now taking orders for new pilot projects. Please contact Amperion for details regarding its B-PLC pilot program. About Amperion Amperion Inc. is a privately held company based in Lawrence, MA delivering cost effective smart grid communications products to electric utilities. Amperion developed the Broadband Powerline Carrier (B-PLC) technology for substation communications over existing transmission lines. Holder of the foundational patents for broadband communications over power lines, Amperion has a long history of innovations and has an extensive worldwide intellectual property portfolio.
Inquiries can be directed to info(at)amperion(dot)com
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Monday 29 August 2011 - 18:37:48
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Channel Master Home Networking MoCA Adapters and Powerline Adapters Now Offered by National Cable Television Cooperative (NCTC)
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August 22, 2011 08:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time
MESA, Ariz.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The National Cable Television Cooperative, Inc. (NCTC) has agreed to offer to their member companies PCT International’s Channel Master line of Home Networking accessories including MoCA adapters, HomePlugAV adapters and IPTV set-top boxes.
“Channel Master will be the one-stop-shop for the most reliable solutions used to stream content in the home over all mediums including coax, powerline and wireless”
One of PCT’s product development focuses is the IPTV and Home Networking sector, which has recently gained a great deal of attention and momentum. PCT’s retail brand, Channel Master, has already been offering several IPTV and home networking products via the retail space. Due to the rapid awareness and expansion of the IPTV and Home Networking sector, PCT and Channel Master are now directing additional focus to satisfy the operators’ needs.
During CES, Channel Master introduced a new product family named Internet-to-tv™ adapters. The Internet-to-tv line was established to simplify the connection of Internet connected TVs and other devices to the Internet and home networks with a full product solution. “Channel Master will be the one-stop-shop for the most reliable solutions used to stream content in the home over all mediums including coax, powerline and wireless,” said Joe Bingochea, VP of Product Management and Marketing for Channel Master. “Our Internet-to-tv product line is proving to be very successful in the home and we are now extending that line to professional service providers and operators. They clearly see the benefit of utilizing our Internet-to-tv devices without having to run new cable and still provide solid, reliable home networking for their customers.”
Channel Master’s Internet-to-tv line includes coaxial solutions using MoCA technology and powerline solutions that are compliant with HomePlugAV standards. Both solutions are versatile, offered in smart choices and currently available at very competitive prices.
Channel Master’s MoCA solution includes a kit with two Ethernet coax bridges (CM-6000) and a 4-port Switch (CM-6004). Using any combination of these versatile products allows users to send Ethernet over existing home coaxial cable, creating an extended distribution network in the home. Up to 16 Channel Master Internet-to-tv coax adapters can be used in one location, making for added flexibility.
When coax is not an option, Channel Master’s powerline solution includes two kits that extend a network over existing home powerlines. One kit (CM-6100) includes two HomePlugAV adapters to connect an Internet ready device (such as a TV, DVR, or gaming device) to a home’s router. The second kit (CM-6104) includes one powerline adapter and one 4-port switch to connect up to four devices to a home’s network. Flexibility is also a key feature, allowing up to 16 Channel Master powerline adapters to be used in one location.
NCTC is also offering members Channel Master’s new CM-7100 IPTV set-top box. CM-7100 is a superior, compact HDTV IP set-top box that is ideal for service provider IPTV subscribers. The CM-7100 enables IPTV subscribers to view advanced IP SD & HDTV content on their television or display. The latest advanced IPTV capabilities and features are supported, including electronic program guides (EPGs), multicast TV, VOD and digital video scaling. With the support of VOD, Linear, and OTT content, consumers can enjoy rich home entertainment experiences with crystal-clear HD pictures and surround sound. The CM-7100 allows operators to expand their subscriber base and increase customer satisfaction while reducing their average per subscriber equipment cost. The CM-7100 supports Minerva Middleware including xTVFusion and is compatible with Harmonic VOD and Verimatrix conditional access off the shelf, but can be customized to support other configurations.
About Channel Master:
Established in 1949, Channel Master has evolved from a trusted terrestrial antenna manufacturer to a leader in the production of set-top boxes, home networking accessories and digital media devices that connect consumers, businesses and service providers with a multitude of content. Access to streaming media, stored digital content, music and movies on-demand, off-air HDTV channels, and more is possible from Channel Master's expanding lineup and is available from a network of over 200 distributors and thousands of retail locations worldwide. Channel Master is a trademark of PCT International, Inc. and is headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, USA. For more information, please visit www.channelmaster.com.
About PCT International, Inc.
Established in 1997, PCT International, Inc. provides superior last-mile and premise products and solutions for broadband communications networks to customers in 60 or more countries. The company leverages innovative engineering, four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a highly efficient distribution network to ensure quality, service and pricing benefits for broadband, CATV, satellite and structured wiring customers. PCT International’s “Hardened Drop” approach is a total solution from the tap to the customer premise equipment that is designed to reduce costs for operators and enhance satisfaction for subscribers. PCT International and its holding company, Andes Industries, Inc., are headquartered in Mesa, Arizona, USA. For more information, please visit www.pctinternational.com.
About NCTC
The National Cable Television Cooperative, Inc. (NCTC) is a Kansas not-for-profit corporation that operates as a programming and hardware purchasing organization for nearly 1,000 member companies who own and operate cable systems throughout the U.S. and its territories. NCTC seeks to maximize current and future opportunities to ensure the profitability, competitive stature and long-term sustainability of its member companies. NCTC is located in Lenexa, Kansas. For more information, please visit www.nctconline.org. Contacts
PCT International, Inc. Joe Bingochea, 480-813-0925 jbingochea@pctintl.com
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Monday 22 August 2011 - 18:16:28
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State-of-the-Art Smart Grid Energy Management Company Provides Real-Time Solutions
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RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- GRID2020, Inc., a leading energy management, control, and communications solutions company, announced today that it has completed a year long process of strategic acquisition and licensing to provide Real-Time Smart Grid solutions and communications with a contract purchase and licensing agreement with IBEC Global resulting in a new, independent Smart Grid technology company focused on Real Time Solutions.
"In less than one year, we have successfully progressed through the acquisition and strategic licensing stages to now become a Smart Grid company with a Real-Time Solution focus," announced Alan Snook, President of GRID2020. "We look forward to fulfilling many emerging Smart Grid needs of utilities, metering companies, SCADA providers, consumers, and commercial enterprises given our dynamic array of products and services. We are committed to helping others curb electricity costs and facilitating a segment of the Smart Grid revolution."
The announcement comes four months after GRID2020 acquired Toronto-based Kinects Solutions, Inc., a pioneer in transformer monitoring technology. "Our multi-dimensional, installer-friendly Distribution Transformer Monitors will be a key component of our strategy to identify electricity pilferage, assist utilities to understand electric vehicle charging impacts, and enable valuable asset management solutions," Snook noted.
On its energy management side, GRID2020 uses a cutting-edge monitoring hub, wireless thermostats, and load meters to monitor and control energy consumption in real-time. Customers interact via a secure Web browser interface and can use their Smartphone or any other Web-enabled device to control their own thermostats and water heaters.
Dan Hermes, Director of Business Development for GRID2020 commented, "In today's clean tech world we feel it is important to empower consumers to manage their energy usage, save money, and preserve energy resources."
A similarly valuable suite of offerings enables utilities to actively participate in cost-saving demand response functions. "GRID2020 provides power monitoring and management solutions enabling utilities to lessen electricity costs, improve their information access capabilities, and understand the complex challenges associated with escalating demand," Hermes added. "GRID2020 offers virtual power plant control capabilities to achieve load reduction, monitor assets, and control energy demand."
GRID2020 has secured licensing agreements to use IBEC Global's ground-breaking Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) technology and platform.
Applying virtually any combination of GRID2020's energy management solutions, stand-alone dynamic electricity monitoring devices, and robust communications options—including Wi-Fi, GSM and BPL—utilities around the world can create targeted solutions, or broad-based deployments of effective Real-Time Smart Grid communications networks. Where needed, GRID2020 deploys the same FCC-approved BPL technology that has been successfully deployed in rural America to create an open standards communications pipe using existing grid infrastructure.
IBEC Global's success and customer demand for integrated Open Standard Smart Grid Applications set the stage for GRID2020's stand-alone evolution.
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Wednesday 17 August 2011 - 18:12:13
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Billion Teams with Tropos Networks Creating Hybrid Smart Grid Communication Solutions for Power Utilities
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August 16th, 2011 – Taipei, Taiwan – Leading Asia Pacific-based provider of network equipment and green power products, Billion Electric Co., Ltd (Taiex: 3027, trading as Billion) today announced a relationship with Tropos Networks, the best-of-breed provider of wireless IP broadband networks for the Smart Grid. Billion will offer Tropos technology and its own solutions to provide Asian power utilities a hybrid Smart Grid communications network that is reliable, scalable, and high-performance.
Through a newly established agreement, Billion will market and support Tropos' field-proven and secure wide-area network solution for the Smart Grid. Utilities can use both Billion PLC/BPL and Tropos IEEE 802.11 mesh broadband network technologies for aggregating communications of multiple smart grid applications such as AMI, distribution automation, substation security, mobile workforce, etc. The Tropos Wi-Fi Mesh system can serve as the robust and reliable backhaul communication infrastructure for Billion’s existing PLC/BPL based neighborhood communication technologies. Leveraging the Billion-Tropos collaboration, Billion partners can work together to provide customers an end-to-end network solution that offers flexibility and efficiency.
“Billion is one of the leading companies in Asia capable of providing both power and communication solutions. We are pleased to work with Billion to provide Tropos broadband wireless network technology to implement collaborative strategies and win-win Smart Grid business models for Asia-Pacific markets,” said Tom Ayers, President and CEO of Tropos Networks.
"We are excited about this new relationship with Tropos Networks that expands our Smart Grid product portfolio and is complementary to our solutions. With Tropos, Billion now has a complete communications solution for power utilities. Tropos has an established reputation for Smart Grid communications across the world; we are excited to partner with such an industry leader. We're seeing an increase in interest from utilities in converged network technologies, and we want to offer our customers a complete communications solution. We look forward to a positive and fruitful relationship with Tropos and potential for expanding the relationship in the future," said Tim Chen, Chairman and CEO of Billion.
About Billion
Billion Electric Co., Ltd. (Taiex: 3027, trading as Billion), was established in Taiwan in 1973. One of Asia Pacific area’s leading providers of power supplies, communication equipments and Smart Grid and Smart Energy Solution Provider. Billion has in-house R&D laboratories with over 185 engineers specializing in the fields of communications, networking, power, and energy management. The R&D teams are located at Taipei and Hsin-chu in Taiwan, Nanjing and Dong-Guang in China. They work together to meet the needs of Billion’s OEM/ODM partners from across the globe. Billion now employs more than 1,630 people and has manufacturing locations in Taiwan, Malaysia, and China. All the factories are ISO9002 certified and every product is 100% tested twice to ensure the best quality and zero defects. For more information, please visit our websites at www.billion.com.tw and www.smartgrid.com.tw.
About Tropos Networks
Tropos was founded in 2000 and got its start selling its standards-based, secure wireless broadband networks to cities as a foundation for multiple municipal services including public safety, intelligent transportation systems, mobile worker automation, and utilities (power, water, gas). Over the past few years, with the emergence of the Smart Grid, Tropos has increased its market focus to provide its field-proven technology and services to power utilities for aggregating communications for a wide range of Smart Grid applications. The company has more than 800 customers around the world in 30 countries. Tropos has been awarded 30 patents for its wireless network technologies and has an additional 30 pending. For more information, please visit www.tropos.com.
For more information: Media contact: press@billion.com ; marketing@billion.com
Billion and the Billion logo are trademarks of Billion Electric Co., Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
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Tuesday 16 August 2011 - 18:14:05
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HomePlug Alliance Announces 2011 Conference, November 8-9 in San Francisco
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World's Leading Powerline Communications Group Responds to Booming Demand for HomePlug Knowledge and Accreditation
Portland, Ore. - August 16, 2011 - The HomePlug® Powerline Alliance (www.homeplug.org), the world's leading industry group for powerline networking, today announced the HomePlug Technology Conference to be held November 8-9, 2011 in San Francisco, California.
As the global powerline networking market continues to grow rapidly - annual shipments of HomePlug broadband speed products are expected to triple by 2014 - the conference will highlight both the underlying applications for adoption of powerline networking and how HomePlug technology provides the foundation for standardization. The two day event will explore product applications ranging from digital entertainment to smart grid/smart energy and provide an in-depth understanding of the HomePlug interoperable standards family and the HomePlug certification program and resources. Anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the powerline communications industry is welcome to attend. Further details are available at www.homeplug.org/conference.
Top level speakers, drawn from leading technology and vertical industries, and industry analysts, will cover the wide range of business and technical topics, including:
- Real world examples of high volume deployments of HomePlug products for applications such as IPTV and Over-The-Top video;
- Panel sessions for consumer electronics, automotive, appliance, chip and networking manufacturers, service providers and utility companies;
- Presentations covering future standards and product interoperability
- Sessions featuring HomePlug AV, IEEE 1901 and upcoming standards such as HomePlug AV2, IEEE 1901.2 and IEEE 1905.1
"As the number of HomePlug devices approaches the 100 million mark, the impact and potential of HomePlug technology continues to expand across ever increasing numbers of industries," said Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. "This two day conference is designed to offer a real world overview of how the technology is being developed, implemented and certified. We look forward to welcoming not only those already involved with HomePlug projects today but also those looking for information on how to get started and benefit their business tomorrow."
About the HomePlug® Powerline Alliance The HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. (www.homeplug.org) is an industry-led initiative with 65 member companies that creates specifications, marketing and certification programs to accelerate worldwide adoption of powerline networking with HomePlug technology. With HomePlug technology, the electrical wires in the home can now distribute broadband Internet, HD video, digital music and smart energy applications.
The Alliance works with key stakeholders to ensure HomePlug specifications are designed to meet the requirements of IPTV service providers, power utilities, equipment and appliance manufacturers, consumer electronics and other constituents. The HomePlug Certified Logo program is the powerline networking industry's largest Compliance and Interoperability Certification Program and the program has certified over 240 devices.
Sponsor members include Broadcom Corporation (BRCM); Cisco (CSCO); Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK); GE Energy, an affiliate of General Electric Co. (NYSE: GE); Qualcomm Atheros, a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated; Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE: 6723); SPiDCOM Technologies; and STMicroelectronics (NYSE: STM).
"HomePlug" is a trademark of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.
# # # For More Information, Contact: Megan Novak Shockney Ardell Group for HomePlug Phone: 8584423492 Email Megan Novak Shockney
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Tuesday 16 August 2011 - 18:10:08
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X10 Hacking Tools Available, BPL Next?
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[Ed: I have not seen the presentation yet so I can't tell if the hackers made the X10 to BPL link or if that's something the blogger did. From what's written on VentureBeat no real connection was made at all...the hacking was all X10. In fact if you read the article it appears that they hacked wireless X10. So where's the connection to BPL? I'm not saying that BPL hacking isn't a concern, I'm just saying this article doesn't appear to go there. It's almost like someone is trying to spin up the FUD engine here.]
Found on VentureBeat.com August 7, 2011 | Dean Takahashi Hackers showed they have a very long reach at the Defcon hacker conference this week. They can turn off your power or hack your home automation systems through internet-connected power lines.
Independent security researchers David “Rel1k” Kennedy and Rob “Kc57″ Simon told the audience that they were releasing free tools that will let hackers break into home automation, business automation, and security systems that operate over the electrical wires of a building. It’s one more example of how hackers can pretty much break into any computerized technology available.
“We have to bring more exposure to this attack vector,” Kennedy said in his talk, which drew a big crowd at Defcon.
The newest “broadband over power line” (BPL) networks allow users to extend their internet connections over electrical wires to places where wireless networks or wired Ethernet networks won’t easily reach or just won’t do the job, such as living rooms that need very high-speed internet connections to play streaming games or movies. BPL networks can deliver broadband internet at 35 megabits to 40 megabits a second, depending on a variety of factors. Home automation systems use these BPL networks to control devices such as lights, electronic lights, air conditioners, security cameras, and security alarms.
But Kennedy and Simon found that the signals are sent unencrypted over the wires and don’t require the things that are connected to them to be authenticated. Much like water meters, this fact makes the networks vulnerable to hacking. The hackers say they can connect a “sniffer,” which captures signals sent along the wire. That allows them to collect the raw signals and then try to decipher them. Once they do that, they can send commands through the network that countermand what the home owner wants.
Kennedy and Simon said they took a couple of months to create their open-source tools to hack into home automation systems that use the X10 electrical wire protocol. Normally, you plug a device like a light into an X10 adapter, which plugs into a wall socket. That allows the X10 device to turn that light on or off via commands from the home automation system.
That protocol doesn’t support encryption. The hackers say their X10 Sniffer tool can monitor what is connected to an X10 network and what the devices are doing. Their X10 Blackout tool can jam signals on the network. The tools use a $16 Teensy microcontroller board to emulate a keyboard on the network. The first time the hackers tried it, they fried their Teensy.
They also investigated the Z-Wave wireless communications protocol for home automation. That supports AES encryption standard, but they only found one device using the AES encryption and it was doing so incorrectly. You can jam a Z-Wave system, but that is illegal. The researchers showed how the hacking tools work. They can plug them inside a power socket outside a house or into a house next door, since signals from one house can be detected from afar because they may use the same interconnected wiring.
Kennedy said he could detect signals from 15 home automation systems around his home in Ohio. The tools can be preprogrammed to jam a signal if someone breaking into a house triggers an alarm by opening a window. The tool can sniff data remotely and send it to a cell phone, where a user could send back commands via text messages to disable an alarm.
By doing surveillance, cyber-savvy thieves could figure out when home owners are at home or not. They could jam the alarms and break into the house.
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