IEEE has recently approved the IEEE 1901.2 "Standard for Low-Frequency (less than 500 kHz) Narrowband Power-Line Communications for Smart Grid Applications” after completing its first sponsor ballot last summer. Since the standard was created for the modern smart grid, it uses current techniques and innovations in communications technology, and the smart grid security framework.
The IEEE 1901.2 consists of three components: physical/medium access layer, coexistence, and electromagnetic-compatibility requirements. As a result, it supports use of the power-line communications (PLC) channel by low-frequency and narrowband devices. The standard identifies detailed mechanisms for coexistence among standard technologies operating in the same frequency band.
The IEEE 1901.2 was designed to secure PLC at data rates up to 500 kbps and transmission frequencies of less than 500 kHz for applications, and also addresses low-frequency, narrowband PLC over low-voltage lines of less than 1,000 V between transformer and meter, through transformer low-voltage to medium-voltage (1,000 V up to 72 kV) and through transformer medium-voltage to low-voltage power lines in both urban and long-distance rural communications.
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