“Smart Grid: Intra - Premises Communications - Utilizing Existing Media”

New requirements for in-premises networking (in connection with Smart Grid projects and the rapid demand for efficient distribution of bandwidth-hungry signals) force the industry to revaluate applicability of communications technologies with emphasis on utilization existing intra-house media. There are at least two groups of such technologies: Those that utilize metallic wires - they include power lines, coaxial TV cable and telephone wiring; Those that utilize free space/wireless communications; with transmission methods allowing gigabits per second speed for short distance communications. In this report, Visible Light Communications (VLC) and 60 GHz radio transmission are addressed. Disregarding technologies differences, all of them may: Significantly reduce communications expenses Support transmission characteristics that satisfy such new requirements. The report details related issues in: Technologies (including MoCA, HomePlug, Visible Light Communications, HomePNA and G.hn and 60 GHz radio) Markets Standards - national and international Industry activities Vendors' portfolios Trends. Pure economical drivers make the industry to develop technologies that utilize the existing in-premises media, including coax, phone, and electrical cabling creating home networking. There are also efforts to develop and commercialize Visible Light Communications - this emerging technology that utilizes properties of free space electromagnetic waves propagation (in optical spectrum) - promises a lot of potentials. The 60 GHz radio technologies are experiencing the rapid development due to the progress in IC fabrication, effective packaging and multiple benefits. The major trends in the discussed communications methods are: 1. Several competing technologies are developed or still in the development. Each of them has advantages and weaknesses. 2. International standards organizations (ITU, IEEE and other) are developing technologies that allow using any existing in-premises media for communications. 3. Multiple industry Alliances not only compete with each other, but are also trying to coordinate their actions and policies. 4. Addressed technologies can find major applications in the Smart Grid and Home Area Networks; as well as in in-premises distribution of bandwidth-hungry signals (for example, HDTV). The report is written for a wide audience of technical and marketing specialists who are working on Smart Grid, Home Area Networks and related initiatives; it also can help them to understand multiple issues concerning local distribution of HDTV and similar signals.

Additional Information

Research Methodology

Considerable research was done using the Internet. Information from various Web sites was studied and analyzed. Evaluation of publicly available marketing and technical publications was conducted. Telephone conversations and interviews were held with industry analysts, technical experts and executives. In addition to these interviews and primary research, secondary sources were used to develop a more complete mosaic of the market landscape, including industry and trade publications, conferences and seminars.

The overriding objective throughout the work has been to provide valid and relevant information. This has led to a continual review and update of the information content.

Target Audience

This report is important to a wide audience of researches, technical and sales staff involved in the developing of intra-premises communications. It is recommended for both service providers and vendors that are working with related technologies. The report also helps to understand issues associated with relationship between discussed systems and other technologies.