Futuríveis
quinta-feira, dezembro 09, 2004
Mais um passo para a Internet via rede eléctrica...
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The idea of using the power grid as a communications network—known as “broadband over power lines” (BPL) in America and “power-line communications” (PLC) in Europe—has been around for ages, but is at last being implemented. Mr Powell made his comments at a meeting where the FCC gave its formal blessing to BPL. Crucially, the agency ruled that utilities that follow certain rules (chiefly concerning radio interference) would be given a wide berth to operate as “unlicensed” entities, unencumbered by America's baffling telecoms rules.
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It finally looks as though BPL's day has come. The happy collision of Mr Powell's desire for broadband competition and Mr Wood's dream of grid reliability is spurring on BPL technology. Revealingly, European officials, who have in the past been cautious about PLC technology, applauded the FCC's decision in October: similar pan-European rules may be in the offing. The result could be better internet access for customers—and, just possibly, a step towards the intelligent, self-healing power grid of tomorrow.
The Economist (requires subscription)
The idea of using the power grid as a communications network—known as “broadband over power lines” (BPL) in America and “power-line communications” (PLC) in Europe—has been around for ages, but is at last being implemented. Mr Powell made his comments at a meeting where the FCC gave its formal blessing to BPL. Crucially, the agency ruled that utilities that follow certain rules (chiefly concerning radio interference) would be given a wide berth to operate as “unlicensed” entities, unencumbered by America's baffling telecoms rules.
...
It finally looks as though BPL's day has come. The happy collision of Mr Powell's desire for broadband competition and Mr Wood's dream of grid reliability is spurring on BPL technology. Revealingly, European officials, who have in the past been cautious about PLC technology, applauded the FCC's decision in October: similar pan-European rules may be in the offing. The result could be better internet access for customers—and, just possibly, a step towards the intelligent, self-healing power grid of tomorrow.
The Economist (requires subscription)
posted by CMT, 11:09 da tarde
