
CHAPTER 13
Hybrid PLC
The recent developments of computer communication media have multiplied the
network media (wired Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PLC, optical fiber, cable TV, and so forth)
providing the suitable throughputs, coverage, and transit time to new generation
applications.
Since none of these media offers by itself the ideal capacities, hybrid networks
appeared in order to make the best use of these technologies. However, a good
knowledge of them is necessary in order to optimize the architecture and the config-
uration of these new networks.
Nowadays, the wired Ethernet networks are those that are the most expensive,
in particular because of the wiring-related work. However, they are still those pro-
viding the best performance and a guaranteed service close to 100%. When such
networks cannot be built, it can turn out to be interesting to use complementary
technologies as a basis.
This chapter aims at highlighting the interest of the current PLC technologies
compared with other network technologies. With the emergence of the HomePlug
AV specification, the PLC technologies add to the PLC advantages (easy deploy-
ment, low cost, open-endedness, security) and global performance capable of com-
peting with these other technologies.
Coexistence of Multiple Networks
The coexistence of network technologies, whether wired or wireless, creates distur-
bance. For example, the propagation of PLC signals over the electrical wirings emits
an electromagnetic field likely to disturb not only the other communication systems,
like radio networks, but also the various PLC technologies themselves.
Since one of the major developments with regard to the network coexistence is
precisely the juxtaposition of PLC and Wi-Fi, it is important to understand and con-
trol these disturbances.
295
Komentáře k této Příručce