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Broadband in India is something that we still don’t see as a necessity. Majority of the broadband users in India are ‘light’ users, who don’t do anything much other than general surfing like checking their emails, updating their social pages like Facebook and Orkut, and instant messenger services. But the new breed of broadband users are the alpha males of the computer world, who are increasing at a rapid rate. These are the users who use their broadband plans to the max, be it downloading files off the internet, streaming videos (educational and otherwise), P2P usage and online gaming. These are the breed, from whom general users take advice from. The current dilemma in their closed user group is the debate over the next technology in broadband services. We are currently using the ADSL technology, but with a limited service area of around 4-5 kilometers and speeds not exceeding 8-12 Mbps, we need to look into the future. The answer we see most deserving is the PDSL, or the Power Line Digital Subscriber Line. In simple words, it’s nothing but communication using power lines.
This emerging technology is the heavy hitter in the broadband industry. It is capable of high speed access using the commonly available power outlets in our houses. This is being currently tested around the world with excellent response. Generally electrical power is transmitted over High Voltage lines, which are then distributed over medium voltage lines and then used in our houses at lower voltages. The communication phase can be applied in every stage. The power wiring was originally meant for AC Power transmission, and these circuits have limited ability to carry the required higher frequencies for communication. The new technology called E-Lines helps us achieve communication of multiple Gigabytes per second. These power lines can also be used to create a LAN, and interconnect home computers and their peripherals. The only change we will have to make other than switching the wires, would be to have a BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) Modem. Though I am not going to bore you with how the communication actually works, with the frequencies involved, I can say that 135 Mbit/s can be achieved under medium voltage.
The cons of this system are a few such as, the power lines are generally a very noisy environment. So the system has to be deal with signal disruptions and fix them. Major research has to be conducted to increase the communication rate over these power lines.
This technology will be very useful during the process of upgrading of our broadband lines, but may not be enough for the future. But nothing can be said about technology as the wireless broadband services are now starting to increase their network and speeds accordingly. But we have to see whether the advent of large number of users helps being down the price. Though i am sure the experts reading this will crib over wireless internet being the next ‘big thing’ compared to PDSL. Only thing we have to keep in mind is, the capital required to setup such a nationwide network and cost effectiveness of the same. The major reason for people suggesting this technology is that the monthly cost will be very low compared to the existing technologies.
Ananth Acharya
Guest Blogger
www.ATechiesThoughts.com
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