PLC Coexistence and Compatibility

This document describes typical use cases for home networks and access networks, primarily from the consumer electronics industry´s point of view. From these use cases, market requirements are derived for a powerline carrier (PLC) network to satisfy the use cases. Upon reviewing the uses cases and market requirements derived from those use cases, it becomes clear that two or more PLC technologies will be required in a home to efficiently satisfy these requirements. Furthermore, it becomes self-evident that at least two technologies would be typical in an apartment building, where many homes share the same low-voltage wiring. Thus, one requirement for any PLC technology becomes its coexistence with other technologies on the same line. The paper details this particular requirement, defining the coexistence mechanism necessary to fulfill the use cases and efficiently meet all the market requirements. This paper was written by the Technical Working Group of Consumer Electronics Powerline Communications Alliance (CEPCA). Contributions to this paper came primarily from seven companies; Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Toshiba, Sony, and Yamaha.