Broadband Over Power Line (Bpl) An Alternative Technology For Ethiopia Broadband Services

Abstract

In Ethiopia 15.4 % [1] of total population have access to internet including mobile internet users.to increase internet users in Ethiopia broadband over Power Line (BPL) is an additional means of providing highspeed Internet access, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and other broadband services to homes and businesses by using the existing medium voltage (MV) and low voltage (LV) power lines. This thesis provides a comprehensive understanding about BPL with its implementation prospects in Ethiopia. In this context, the existing power grid infrastructures are discussed elaborately. BPL system functionality with its components and its benefits over other access technologies is also pointed out. Implementation scenarios for various deployment options are illustrated, and market survey are conducted to highlight the major vendors and products available in BPL networking area. This thesis presents recent developments on PLC channel modelling and its transfer function. For data communication over any medium, it is necessary to determine the characteristics of the communication channel. In this thesis, the power line is approximated as a transmission line and the transfer function is derived based on the lumped-element circuit model, using scattering matrix method. The model is capable of determining the line characteristics under different network topologies. The approach allows not only taking into account the cable characteristics, but also the number and length of the branches. This thesis is also analyzed problems related to electromagnetic compatibility of broadband power line communications. The study comprised theoretical analysis to do so PLC networks were modeled and simulated with Matlab/Simulink and Numerical Electromagnetics Code (4NEC2). Based on the simulated results the feasibility of BPL deployments in Ethiopia has been also comparatively analyzed between several broadband accesses technologies. BPL is now a growing communication network technology which is quite fast hitting the competitive market of broad band internet services in international telecom environment. The simulated results shows with the help of some more researches and upgrading distribution line, BPL may also be an effective viable additional choice for providing broadband in Ethiopia.