PLC-IoT

What Is PLC-IoT?

PLC-IoT, or Power Line Communication Internet of Things, is a mid-band Power Line Communication (PLC) technology compliant with HPLC/IEEE 1901.1 standards. It is designed for industrial IoT applications, enabling data transmission over power lines in low-voltage networks. By leveraging existing power lines, PLC-IoT eliminates the need for deploying additional communication infrastructure. It provides reliable, secure, and efficient communication in the final stage of IoT connectivity, often referred to as the "last mile".

The Background of PLC-IoT

The continuous evolution of communication technologies is driving the rapid advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT). There is a growing demand for faster data collection from IoT devices. To achieve ubiquitous connectivity and ensure reliable, secure, and efficient communication in the final segment of IoT networks, a variety of IoT access technologies are essential.

IoT communication technologies can be broadly classified into two categories: wireless and wired. Wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee are commonly used for their convenience and flexibility. However, they can be affected by environmental factors, leading to signal degradation. On the other hand, wired technologies like industrial field bus and Power Line Communication (PLC) offer reliable connectivity by utilizing existing power lines for data transmission. PLC eliminates the need for additional infrastructure, making it a cost-effective solution.

PLC addresses the challenge of integrating various communication technologies into a single network and reduces the need for additional investments. By leveraging power lines for data transmission, PLC brings the vision of ubiquitous connectivity closer to reality.

The Advent of PLC-IoT

PLC-IoT represents a novel application of PLC within IoT environments. Developed on the foundation of HPLC/IEEE 1901.1, PLC-IoT is tailored for mid-band PLC applications in IoT scenarios. It addresses challenges such as signal attenuation and interference on power lines while implementing IP-based communication.

• Operating within the frequency range of 0.7 MHz to 12 MHz, PLC-IoT boasts low and stable noise levels along with excellent channel quality.

• Employing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) technology, PLC-IoT achieves high-frequency band utilization and robust anti-interference capabilities. By modulating digital signals on high-frequency carriers, PLC-IoT achieves high-speed data transmission over long distances through power lines.

• Offering an application-layer communication rate ranging from 100 kbit/s to 2 Mbit/s, PLC-IoT can extend its transmission range to several kilometers through multi-level networking. By leveraging IPv6, a variety of IoT protocols can operate over power lines, facilitating intelligent end devices and enabling full device connectivity.

PLC-IoT establishes a precise model for power line communication channel transmission and determines the optimal signal transmission frequency based on the physical characteristics of power lines. Utilizing extensive measured data, PLC-IoT assesses power line channel characteristics, including signal attenuation, impedance, and noise characteristics. Leveraging these insights, PLC-IoT effectively mitigates noise and attenuation, significantly enhancing the communication performance of power lines and achieving high-speed, reliable, and real-time long-distance communication.

Applications of PLC-IoT

PLC-IoT is a revolutionary technology that facilitates high-speed and reliable communication for the Internet of Things (IoT) by leveraging existing power lines. This approach minimizes the need for additional infrastructure, resulting in significant cost savings for communication construction and deployment. PLC-IoT is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of IoT scenarios. For instance, in the context of smart traffic lights, PLC-IoT enables data transmission over traditional power lines. By integrating PLC-IoT-capable devices into existing infrastructure, this solution enables centralized management of traffic control devices. Moreover, the incorporation of edge computing in the solution breaks down information silos between systems, allowing for the exchange and sharing of intersection data. This integration enables intelligent adaptation to traffic conditions, such as the detection of signal light faults and real-time access to signal light information. Ultimately, the implementation of PLC-IoT in smart intersections paves the way for intelligent traffic management systems.