Reliable, long-haul data communications over power lines for meter reading and other communications services

摘要

A system, method and computer program product provides for power line communications (PLC) over electric power lines includes a device mountable near an electrical distribution transformer (DT) to provide a high speed interface and communicates with one or multiple access devices, which provide low speed interfaces for analog signals or digital signals over RS 232, RS 485, optical, wireless and Ethernet. The device transmits data to/from these access devices over the electric lines to other repeaters over one or more wires of an electrical line or over multiple lines, and serves to strengthen and improve signal quality. Upon detecting a wire or line is having problems carrying data, the data is sent over other wires, and upon power line failures, wireless backup to mobile/GSM and WiMax networks is utilized. The device permits utilities and others to read electric meters, monitor the power quality of the distribution grid and detect power losses/failures/outages, and permits telecom service providers and others to provide a communications link to cell phone towers, WiFi Access Points and enable broadband Internet and telephony in rural, remote or sparely populated areas.

主权项

1. A system for providing power line communications, comprising:
a repeater for repeating power line communication signals, the repeater comprising a module system operable to provide an alternative communications connection; and a coupler system operable to provide a communications interface between the repeater and an electric power line, the coupler system comprising a plurality of insulation and impedance sleeves, wherein the repeater is operable to repeat received power line communication signals and transmit repeated power line communication signals having a strengthened signal to noise ratio.