OPERA: Open PLC European research alliance for new generation PLC integrated network

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 03.0309-2

Key words (English)

Power Line Communications; electromagnetic compatibility

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: 507667

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 6. Frame Research Programme - 1.2 Communications technologies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Abstract (English)

Power Line Communication (PLC) is a broadband telecommunication technology able to use the electrical networks for data transmission purposes, allowing any user connected to the power grid to benefit from a great number of services easily and avoiding expensive and pollutant new wiring.
The strategic objective of this proposal is to offer low-cost broadband access service to all European citizens using the most ubiquitous infrastructure, power lines. Overcoming all barriers that prevent today PLC from being a mass commercial technology that competes effectively with existing technologies through the development of a new PLC generation integrated with existing backbone technologies and EMC compliant.
All efforts will be focused on obtaining: an improved performance in transmission speed, a ready-to-sell and low-cost products, a complete system specification, an unique international regulation, full inter-operability with existing back haul and in-home technologies and a higher market share. OPERA will contribute to develop the European Information Society in concordance with the proposed objectives in the plan eEurope 2005 by:
- Increase of competition in access network: PLC networks can be quickly and easily deployed without large investments due to the re-utilisation of electricity networks. PLC is an alternative, competitive, ubiquitous solution for access and in-house distribution that will contribute to have a real alternative 'last-mile' access network.
- Fostering Mass Services availability: PLC features such as transparent integration with different technologies and complete end-user coverage will contribute to the deployment of vaue-added-services over broadband such as: smart home, video streaming, e-health, telephony, tele-surveillance, etc.
- European Industry Leadership: PLC technology know-how is currently placed in Europe. It represents an extraordinary opportunity for the development, competitiveness and leadership of European Broadband Industry that will contribute to the creation of employment, to the development of the Information Society Technologies in Europe and to the socio-economic prosperity in Europe.
OPERA project has an estimated duration of 48 months. ~

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 03.0309-2