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• AMBIENT EXPANDING BPL DEPLOYMENT TO 700 HOMES IN SOUTHEAST
  Ambient Corporation announced January 10, 2006 that one of the largest investor-owned utilities (IOUs) located in the Southeastern United States successfully deployed Ambient?s BPL solutions on its electrical distribution system on a ?proof of concept? basis and now is proceeding to a larger pilot program. BPL Today reports that the IOU in question is Duke Energy, which agreed to move into part three of a four-part plan to get BPL past 10,000 to 15,000 customers in a long-range commercial deployment. Part three is a pilot to pass 700 homes, with service to begin in Q2 of this year. The trial will culminate in a decision on whether the project goes to negotiations for phase four, the commercial deployment. A critical step in the process was the development of a network management tool and Ambient?s demonstrated ability to support multiple ISPs. Now accomplished, Ambient plans to sell its network management system independently from its other equipment for those who want it. Another reported feature of Ambient?s technology is that it uses the DS2 200 mbps G2 chipset, which involves simply swapping the G1 computer card for a G2 card.
  
  from: http://www.uplc.utc.org/page/admin/?cbr_v=dcb&nt=true&cbr_eid=38610&ct=contentbrowser

  May 2, 2008

  0 replies

• New BPL TECHNOLOGY IS INTERFERENCE-FREE !!!
  READ: http://www.ds2.es/press/record.aspx?id=29
  
  DS2's Radio Friendly BPL Technology puts Competition on the Defensive
  
  Speaking at 2005 UPLC Annual Conference, Victor Dominguez, DS2's Director of Strategy and Standardization, outlined the reasons why DS2's 200Mbps powerline solution is the only regulatory compliant technology available for BPL commercial deployments.
  
  Dominguez was dismissive about claimed alternatives to DS2.
  
  Mr Dominguez was adamant about competitors claims "I think that we have put the competition on the defensive. Our competitors would love to have the flexible notching capabilities that we have for BPL and In-Home PLCs, but the truth is that they don?t. DS2 has had dynamic notching since its first chip set and can mitigate radio interference in a programmable way and other PLC chipsets do not. We would like to thank our competition for the rumours propagated at several press interviews, they have been attracting attention towards one of the main competitive advantages of our technology, we mastered programmable notches in a 200 Mbps chipset more than 2 years ago, since then we have been shipping in volume for BPL and In-Home applications, and still remains to be proven that competition can follow us.?
  
  DS2's technology is well known in the BPL industry for being one of the first proponents of programmable notching in powerline communications, as the best method for addressing potential interference to radio services. DS2?s 200 Mbps BPL technology, available in silicon since 2003, already implements this dynamic notching functionality, which has been tested in the field, in several commercial BPL deployments, and demonstrated in several BPL industry trade shows.
  
  ?Other competing technologies have some notches, but they are fixed, including the most advanced designs from followers (on top of that they exhibit performance below 40% our speed). This means that they fall short for the demands of regulators and consumers everywhere from the FCC to the European Commission who require that frequency bands can be selectively notched out, even after the equipment has been deployed. Operators deploying non-DS2 based solutions risk having their equipment withdrawn from the field because once it is out there, there is nothing that can be done to prevent interfence with radio signals. With DS2, however, any issues can be resolved even when the equipment is in the field by remotely disabling problematic frequencies thus complying with today's or future regulatory requirements and automatically avoiding any radio signals in any part of the world". Mr Dominguez placed special emphasis on the radio friendliness of the system.
  
  In February this year, DS2's 200 Mbps powerline technology has been chosen as the baseline technology for the European utilities developing PLC standards to accelerate the adoption of low cost, high performance broadband access PLC. As part of the selection process, an extensive set of tests were performed, including notching functionality benchmarks for avoidance of potential interferences to radio services. In addition, report from Ofcom, the British telecom regulator recognised the significant advance represented ?The flexibility of the DS2 product, with its programmable spectrum mask and downstream notching capability, represents a significant step towards a more EMC friendly PLT solution.?
  
  Specifically, DS2 BPL system can implement notches in any frequency band, not only in radio amateur bands. This means that the system can be adapted to changing regulations in several countries. For example, FCC recently prohibited BPL Operators to use frequencies within defined "excluded bands". Only products based on DS2 technology can be adapted to this new regulation remotely from the Operator?s Network Operation Centre, while products based on competing chips would need to replace the hardware in the field.
  
  DS2 200 Mbps the technology which underlies the majority of commercial access PLC and IPTV/ADSL deployments worldwide and has been built into equipment manufactured by the leading US, European and Asian BPL manufacturers. It is used by XDSL/IPTV operators like Telefonica and electricity giants such as Consolidated Edison, Duke Energy, EdF, EdP, Iberdrola and Endesa, to drive their broadband over powerline offerings. As of September 2005, the estimated number of consumers and businesses that enjoy access to IPTV, internet and voice-over IP services is estimated at 500,000, with more than two million homes passed in deployments with more than 30 power utilities world-wide.

  May 15, 2007

  0 replies

• New BPL TECHNOLOGY IS INTERFERENCE-FREE !!!
  READ: http://broadbandoverpowerlines.blogspot.com/2006/03/news-ds2-200-mbps-bpl-technology-is.html
  
  News: DS2 200 Mbps BPL technology is working with ARRL Laboratory to work out BROADBAND OVER POWER LINES Interference Issues !!!!
  
  League Views BPL Manufacturer's Interference Abatement Efforts with Interest
  NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 22, 2006--A demonstration at ARRL Headquarters of DS2 BPL equipment suggests the manufacturer is working to minimize--if not altogether eliminate--interference from its products on amateur bands, ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI, says. Hare met with two DS2 officials earlier this month to discuss the company's improved approach to Amateur Radio band notching techniques. Based upon his observations during a demonstration of DS2's latest generation G2 technology, Hare says he's cautiously optimistic. A spectrum analyzer check of the modem's output showed the G2 modem could attain a notch depth of up to 40 dB.
  
  "While there's no certainty that all BPL products using this technology could achieve 40 dB of protection within notched spectrum, our tests show the capability to do so is there," Hare commented. "This may not prevent all interference problems, but a 10 to 15 dB improvement over the notching used by many BPL systems in place today would be a significant improvement."
  
  In its October 2005 Petition for Further Rule Making in the BPL proceeding, ARRL cited BPL systems using Main.net and DS2 chipsets as among those that lack fixed, permanent notches in the ham bands and "have caused numerous cases of harmful interference to stations in the Amateur Service."
  
  Texas Demonstration Inspires Invitation
  
  Hare says he was intrigued by a demonstration of DS2's latest technology he witnessed last September during a United Power Line Council (UPLC) event in Texas. During his presentation, DS2 Director of Strategy and Standardization Victor Dominguez said that the manufacturer had improved the depth of the notches in its chipset.
  
  Two days later, Hare had an opportunity to see a DS2 system in Houston. Some quick tests showed that although close-in notching wasn't much better than other systems', BPL noise dropped below the ambient noise level deep into the notches. Hare and Dominguez subsequently agreed to have DS2 staff work with ARRL to investigate the company's notching improvements.
  
  
  
  Figure 1: The notch depth in this test shows that BPL noise is reduced by about 40 dB in the amateur bands. "This demonstrates that the DS2 G2 chipsets are capable of protecting the amateur bands by 40 dB in a properly designed product," says ARRL Laboratory Manager Ed Hare, W1RFI. "In this case, guard bands were programmed into the notch to ensure that the notch depth across the entire amateur band was 40 dB."
  
  
  On March 9 DS2 Vice President of Technology and Strategic Partnerships Chano Gómez and Product Manager Eduardo Lluna, EA5ETP, brought a pair of modems using DS2's latest-generation G2 technology to ARRL Headquarters. Gómez directs DS2's US office in California. Lluna is based in Valencia, Spain. After a tour of Headquarters, the trio got down to work in the ARRL Laboratory's screen room, where the G2 modems were set up. The spectrum analyzer results in Figure 1 for the 20-meter band were typical of all bands measured, Hare said.
  
  "It is good to see testing that shows this implementation of technology has improved," Hare remarked. He said Gómez has offered to release application notes or other information outlining how DS2 has been able to configure its modems to achieve a 40 dB notch depth across entire amateur bands.
  
  The DS2 modems also were tested at Maxim Memorial Station W1AW, where they were plugged into outlets in separate parts of the building and set to transmit data. Hare listened on a number of ham bands and on adjacent spectrum. Inside the ham bands, the signal was inaudible, he said.
  
  "Although this was encouraging as a reasonable quick-look test of DS2 modems on premise," Hare cautioned, "testing on a BPL installation using overhead power lines would present a more realistic situation from which to draw firm conclusions." Gómez offered to look into ways such tests might be arranged.
  
  Gómez said he's happy to be working with ARRL to demonstrate that DS2's chipsets are Amateur Radio-friendly. "We have made a huge effort to ensure that the 40 dB programmable notches in our OFDM chipset provide adequate protection," he said.
  
  According to Lluna, several vendors already have deployed DS2-based equipment in the US, "and this gives them the mechanism to avoid interference problems completely." Feedback from the ARRL "has been invaluable" in achieving that goal, he added.
  
  Exchange of Ideas
  
  Afterwards, Hare, Gómez and Lluna discussed BPL and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) issues and potential solutions to head off most cases of interference. "We had a solid exchange of ideas about the technical aspects of interference problems and how improved notch depth could be combined with other techniques to prevent and correct interference," Hare said. "The DS2 staff has a good grasp of the technical issues involved and believes many of them ultimately can be implemented in deployed systems."
  
  ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, concurred with Hare's cautious optimism. "We very much appreciate this dialogue with DS2, and we are looking forward to turning talk into action and solutions," he said.

  May 15, 2007

  0 replies

• this is a good start for Broadband over Powerlines
  re: http://broadbandoverpowerlines.blogspot.com/
  
  for ?Smart Grid?, IPTV, in-home Multiple Dwelling Unit networking and TRIPLE-PLAY SERVICES- VOIP, WEB, HDTV videos !!!

  May 14, 2007

  0 replies

• Ambient Introduces Real-Time Current and Voltage Sensing to Electrical Grid
  Ambient Introduces Real-Time Current and Voltage Sensing to Electrical Grids Via BPL Communications Platform
  Wednesday April 18, 8:30 am ET
  Smart Grid Capabilities Enhanced by Introduction of Ambient's Newest Utility Applications
  http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/070418/20070418005603.html?.v=1
  
  BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG - News), a leader in Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) solutions, announced today that it has significantly enhanced its suite of products by integrating two intelligent grid applications into its core BPL communications platform for use in both overhead and underground systems.
  
  The current and voltage sensing applications, enabled by Ambient's core products, are extremely valuable to utilities. Ambient's energy sensing products further validate the benefits of building out a communications network, which allows a utility to have real-time visibility into its electrical grid. Achieving this without adding additional external equipment to the BPL communications platform represents a significant breakthrough in the market. Ambient's ability for providing sensing capabilities is a non-intrusive, easily implemented, and cost-effective solution which is highly beneficial to utilities.
  
  Pioneering the use of BPL platforms for delivering Smart Grid capabilities is key to positioning Ambient as a leading innovator. Ambient provides enabling BPL technology to utilities for improving energy and operational efficiency, especially with an aging grid infrastructure.
  
  John J. Joyce, President and CEO of Ambient stated, "Ambient has been committed to creating and integrating intelligent grid applications and products which meet the present and, more importantly, future needs of its customers. These solutions reflect our philosophy of delivering maximum benefit and flexibility to the utilities, while minimizing the complexity and costs. In an increasingly green energy industry, deploying next-generation, Smart Grid technology will play a major role in the efficient delivery of energy. Integrating this functionality into our customers' grids represents a significant milestone for both the industry and Ambient."
  
  Real-time current sensing enables proactive instead of reactive management of distribution circuits, thereby increasing grid efficiency and reliability. This will allow the utility to not only know the operational status of a medium voltage circuit, but also know and monitor in real-time the amount of energy flowing through at any given point on the circuit.
  
  Voltage sensing is useful for energy management, monitoring health and efficiency of transformers, and for identifying potentially problematic transformers enabling the utility to predict and prevent possible equipment failure. The voltage levels at the secondary side of the transformer can now be measured and reported continuously in real-time.
  
  "We believe we have the first BPL system that enables such extensive and unique integration of key utility applications," stated Ram Rao, Chief Technology Officer at Ambient. "Ambient has always believed that utility applications are critical to the success of BPL systems and thus we have focused on the development of new products and applications in this area to benefit our utility partners, and future customers."
  
  Smart sensing applications are increasingly important in reducing the environmental impact of line loss and in reducing the economic impact of outages and power disruption estimated to cost US businesses over $50 billion a year according to EPRI.

  April 20, 2007

  0 replies

• Ambient Introduces Real-Time Current and Voltage Sensing to Electrical Grid
  Ambient Introduces Real-Time Current and Voltage Sensing to Electrical Grids Via BPL Communications Platform
  
  BusinessWire - April 18, 2007 8:30 AM ET
  http://broadbandoverpowerlines.blogspot.com/2007/04/ambient-introduces-real-time-current.html
  
  Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG), a leader in Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) solutions, announced today that it has significantly enhanced its suite of products by integrating two intelligent grid applications into its core BPL communications platform for use in both overhead and underground systems.
  
  The current and voltage sensing applications, enabled by Ambient's core products, are extremely valuable to utilities. Ambient's energy sensing products further validate the benefits of building out a communications network, which allows a utility to have real-time visibility into its electrical grid. Achieving this without adding additional external equipment to the BPL communications platform represents a significant breakthrough in the market. Ambient's ability for providing sensing capabilities is a non-intrusive, easily implemented, and cost-effective solution which is highly beneficial to utilities.
  
  Pioneering the use of BPL platforms for delivering Smart Grid capabilities is key to positioning Ambient as a leading innovator. Ambient provides enabling BPL technology to utilities for improving energy and operational efficiency, especially with an aging grid infrastructure.
  
  John J. Joyce, President and CEO of Ambient stated, "Ambient has been committed to creating and integrating intelligent grid applications and products which meet the present and, more importantly, future needs of its customers. These solutions reflect our philosophy of delivering maximum benefit and flexibility to the utilities, while minimizing the complexity and costs. In an increasingly green energy industry, deploying next-generation, Smart Grid technology will play a major role in the efficient delivery of energy. Integrating this functionality into our customers' grids represents a significant milestone for both the industry and Ambient."
  
  Real-time current sensing enables proactive instead of reactive management of distribution circuits, thereby increasing grid efficiency and reliability. This will allow the utility to not only know the operational status of a medium voltage circuit, but also know and monitor in real-time the amount of energy flowing through at any given point on the circuit.
  
  Voltage sensing is useful for energy management, monitoring health and efficiency of transformers, and for identifying potentially problematic transformers enabling the utility to predict and prevent possible equipment failure. The voltage levels at the secondary side of the transformer can now be measured and reported continuously in real-time.
  
  "We believe we have the first BPL system that enables such extensive and unique integration of key utility applications," stated Ram Rao, Chief Technology Officer at Ambient. "Ambient has always believed that utility applications are critical to the success of BPL systems and thus we have focused on the development of new products and applications in this area to benefit our utility partners, and future customers."
  
  Smart sensing applications are increasingly important in reducing the environmental impact of line loss and in reducing the economic impact of outages and power disruption estimated to cost US businesses over $50 billion a year according to EPRI.

  April 18, 2007

  0 replies

• Con Edison will launch a pilot program of 500,000 "smart meters," !!!!
  Con Ed gets 'smart' to track blackouts
  Monday, March 26th 2007, 4:00 AM
  
  http://broadbandoverpowerlines.blogspot.com/2007/03/ny-con-edison-gets-smart-to-track.html
  
  Con Edison officials - under pressure to avoid a repeat of last summer's devastating blackout in northwest Queens - will use new high-tech meters and a computer system to help them better track power outages. Con Ed will launch a pilot program of 500,000 "smart meters," which alert control center operators when a customer's power goes out, spokesman Michael Clendenin said yesterday.
  
  A new computer system will map these outages as they occur, he said. The company has spent $1.4 billion on systemwide upgrades, plus $90 million on the Long Island City network, Clendenin said. The utility company is scheduled to testify before the City Council's Consumer Affairs Committee today about summer preparations.
  
  Lisa L. Colangelo
  New York Daily News

  April 17, 2007

  0 replies

• Manhattan BPL-Smart Grid Project: Ambient & Consolidated Edison`s undergrou
  Manhattan BPL-Smart Grid Project: Ambient & Consolidated Edison`s underground installation of 2nd generation(200Mbps) BPL equipment !!!
  
  read: http://broadbandoverpowerlines.blogspot.com/
  
  Ambient & Consolidated Edison Launch New R & D Efforts Underground in Manhattan
  
  Wednesday April 11, 8:15 am ET
  Network Monitoring and Communications Platform to be Further Evaluated
  
  
  NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ambient Corporation (OTCBB: ABTG - News), a leader in Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) solutions, announced today that it will install its second generation BPL equipment on the underground electric system of Consolidated Edison Company of New York Inc. (NYSE: ED - News).
  
  
  Successful completion of the research and development demonstration would allow Con Edison to further evaluate on a larger scale Ambient's BPL System for monitoring the underground distribution system.
  
  Ambient's BPL platform is designed to support many, if not all, of the sensoring, monitoring and control applications that Con Edison may deploy to enhance its distribution system. Some of the applications that can be supported by the Ambient BPL system include aggregation of meter reading, peak load reductions and demand side management, energy flow measurements, stray voltage detection, and partial discharge detection.
  
  The demonstration of Ambient's partial discharge detection application, in particular, may be a key component in proactively detecting impending failures in cables or other distribution system components.
  
  Ram Rao, Ambient's Chief Technology Officer stated, "We are pleased to be working with our long-time partner Con Edison on this R & D project. Con Edison has stated their commitment to enhance their grid, and we anticipate that the Ambient BPL system will be a key part of the solution that Con Edison is developing to achieve their planned improvements. The Ambient BPL platform has been developed to enable exactly these types of applications and solutions."
  
  Many of the utilities in the United States that are in the process of developing plans for the next generation distribution systems have identified communications capabilities as a key requirement. Ambient's BPL system is an ideal solution to meet this requirement as it operates over the same infrastructure that the utilities own, operate, and maintain to deliver electricity.
  
  read: Con Edison Details $1.4 Billion in Electric Delivery Investments & New Emergency Response Initiatives for Summer
  
  read: Ambient`s BPL Case Study:
  Utility Communications
  
  read: Ambient`s BPL Case Study:
  Substation Monitoring

  April 11, 2007

  0 replies

• Google's Powerline Play: Google may rely on BPL due to WI-FI interference p
  A must read http://broadbandoverpowerlines.blogspot.com/2007/01/googles-powerline-play.html
  
  Google's Powerline Play
  JANUARY 25, 2007
  
  Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - message board) may rely on broadband over power line (BPL) technology to augment its Mountain View, Calif., WiFi network in the face of alleged interference problems, one analyst says.
  
  Google outfitted Mountain View with free WiFi last year (See Mountain View Gets Free Access and Google Takes WiFi Plan to the 'Hood.) But interference with other WiFi networks is creating "security and containability issues," Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry writes in a report issued earlier this month.
  
  So, apparently, it's BPL to the rescue.
  
  "Contacts feel Google WiFi network interference can be solved when Google rolls out DS2-based, 200 Mbit/s powerline home networking technology," Chowdhry writes.
  
  The company Chowdhry refers to -- Design of Systems on Silicon (DS2) , of Spain -- sells BPL gear, including dongles (the adapters that plug into the wall), based on Universal Powerline Association high speed powerline networking standards. (See Pirelli Uses DS2 for Powerline.)
  
  So when might Google make a decision on the technology? "Probably within next 12 to 18 months," Chowdhry tells Light Reading.
  
  Another source tells Light Reading that Google is in the "talking and exploring" phase with powerline home networking.
  
  Google spokesman Brian O'Shaughnessy called any engagement with DS2 "rumor" and declined further comment.
  
  In fact, Google isn't even admitting to the interference problem, despite several reports to the contrary from Mountain View users. (See WiFi Outlook Cloudy in Mountain View.) "You stated that users were having interference problems in their homes; I would take issue with that," O'Shaunessy says. "We haven't seen any evidence of that.?
  
  Google has shown an interest in BPL in the past. The company invested in the BPL vendor Current Communications Group LLC in July 2005. But Current doesn't make home networking gear; its technology is focused on helping electric utilities deliver broadband service over the public power grid. (See Current Comms Raises $130M.)
  
  Google has a foot in home networking as well. In November 2006, it invested in the startup Meraki, which makes in-home wireless mesh routers intended to extend muni WiFi signal into apartment buildings and homes. (See Google Invests in Indoor Mesh.)
  
  Chowdhry believes Google has spent between $1.2 million and $1.5 million on WiFi equipment for Mountain View. The city covers about 12 square miles and is home to around 72,000 people.
  
  ? Mark Sullivan, Reporter, Light Reading
  
  Read Previous article: Google, GS, SENSUS,TXU, GE, EarthLink put $230M in Current Communications ~ 10 Mbps Symmetrical speed Broadband over Power Lines Internet service !!! In reply to: "EarthLink, San Francisco finalize Wi-Fi contract"

  January 26, 2007

  0 replies

• Google may rely on BPL due to WI-FI interference problem !!!
  source: http://broadbandoverpowerlines.blogspot.com/
  
  Google's Powerline Play
  JANUARY 25, 2007
  
  Google (Nasdaq: GOOG - message board) may rely on broadband over power line (BPL) technology to augment its Mountain View, Calif., WiFi network in the face of alleged interference problems, one analyst says.
  
  Google outfitted Mountain View with free WiFi last year (See Mountain View Gets Free Access and Google Takes WiFi Plan to the 'Hood.) But interference with other WiFi networks is creating "security and containability issues," Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry writes in a report issued earlier this month.
  
  So, apparently, it's BPL to the rescue.
  
  "Contacts feel Google WiFi network interference can be solved when Google rolls out DS2-based, 200 Mbit/s powerline home networking technology," Chowdhry writes.
  
  The company Chowdhry refers to -- Design of Systems on Silicon (DS2) , of Spain -- sells BPL gear, including dongles (the adapters that plug into the wall), based on Universal Powerline Association high speed powerline networking standards. (See Pirelli Uses DS2 for Powerline.)
  
  So when might Google make a decision on the technology? "Probably within next 12 to 18 months," Chowdhry tells Light Reading.
  
  Another source tells Light Reading that Google is in the "talking and exploring" phase with powerline home networking.
  
  Google spokesman Brian O'Shaughnessy called any engagement with DS2 "rumor" and declined further comment.
  
  In fact, Google isn't even admitting to the interference problem, despite several reports to the contrary from Mountain View users. (See WiFi Outlook Cloudy in Mountain View.) "You stated that users were having interference problems in their homes; I would take issue with that," O'Shaunessy says. "We haven't seen any evidence of that.?
  
  Google has shown an interest in BPL in the past. The company invested in the BPL vendor Current Communications Group LLC in July 2005. But Current doesn't make home networking gear; its technology is focused on helping electric utilities deliver broadband service over the public power grid. (See Current Comms Raises $130M.)
  
  Google has a foot in home networking as well. In November 2006, it invested in the startup Meraki, which makes in-home wireless mesh routers intended to extend muni WiFi signal into apartment buildings and homes. (See Google Invests in Indoor Mesh.)
  
  Chowdhry believes Google has spent between $1.2 million and $1.5 million on WiFi equipment for Mountain View. The city covers about 12 square miles and is home to around 72,000 people.
  
  ? Mark Sullivan, Reporter, Light Reading
  
  Read Previous article: Google, GS, SENSUS,TXU, GE, EarthLink put $230M in Current Communications ~ 10 Mbps Symmetrical speed Broadband over Power Lines Internet service !!!

  January 26, 2007

  0 replies