Measurement-based 3D-simulation models for elements of power line communications network

This paper presents 3D-simulation models for typical power line communication (PLC) network elements based on permittivity measurement results. We show that, e.g., materials of typically used plugs and sockets contribute to the overall performance of a PLC system especially at high frequencies. The work describes the main components of home and office area low voltage power distribution networks and disassembles the components into 3D-simulation models that can be used to analyze the data networking performance of the PLC network. The novel results indicate that the materials of the elements have an effect on the transmission properties and that should be taken into account. These effects have been analyzed using generated simulation models for the elements of the PLC network. The verification of transmission characteristics measurements using the constructed test bed of a PLC network segment and in a real low power office PLC network have been done.