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January 12, 2012

HomePlug Powerline Alliance Unveils HomePlug AV2 Specifications

With rapid adoption of broadband networks and the ever increasing consumption of more and more bandwidth as a result of high resolution video, audio and 3D content being shared upon the Internet service providers have to look for advanced solutions to ensure wider broadband connectivity can be implemented with minimum expenses made upon establishment of new infrastructural facilities.

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance, Inc., an industry group that develops specifications, marketing and certification programs to accelerate worldwide adoption of powerline networking with HomePlug technology, has announced to introduce a new HomePlug AV2 specification.

With a member strength of 65 companies, the organization works at boosting the worldwide adoption of the HomePlug technology that allows electrical wires in the home to be used for distributing broadband Internet, HD video, digital music and smart energy applications.

HomePlug AV2, the new specification by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, ensures that efficient and robust broadband networking can be achieved over powerline wires, while the infrastructure remains totally interoperable with existing HomePlug AV/IEEE 1901 compliant products that are being used in a huge number of homes worldwide.

Leveraging the digital entertainment technology of HomePlug, users can connect any device with an Ethernet port or a Wi-Fi router to a network right through the existing wiring within the home. The AV Technical Working Group of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance has leveraged its long real-world experience and extensive field tests that were conducted for validating in-home coverage and performance across five countries within a variety of homes, to prepare the HomePlug AV2 specification. The group consists a number of well known telecommunications enterprises such as Broadcom, devolo, France Telecom, Marvell, Qualcomm Atheros, Ralink, Sony, SPiDCOM Technologies and STMicroelectronics. Offering high speed broadband connectivity, the HomePlug AV2 technology is being expected to be extremely helpful in Internet video, multi-room IPTV, online gaming, HD audio and other high demand networking uses.

“HomePlug AV2 is the much anticipated and logical follow on to the successful HomePlug AV specification,” said Kurt Scherf, senior analyst for Parks Associates. “AV2 greatly increases the capacity of home networks to support ultra-high speed applications by increasing the network’s bandwidth and also greatly improves reliable delivery of that bandwidth to all areas of the home.”

A number of manufacturers have been offering HomePlug Certified products through retail channels, while over 30 service providers worldwide have been deploying these solutions. The HomePlug powerline technology range comprises of various enhanced products such as HomePlug AV for broadband applications, HomePlug Green PHY for smart grid and smart energy applications; and the new HomePlug AV2 for extremely fast broadband speeds.

In June 2011, The HomePlug Powerline Alliance announced to support the IEEE P1905 working group’s efforts to define the first standard for hybrid home networks.

Want to learn more about 4G wireless technologies? Then be sure to attend the 4GWE Conference, collocated with TMC’s ITEXPO East 2012taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. Co-sponsored by TMC Partner Crossfire Media the 4GWE Conference provides unmatched networking opportunities and a robust conference program representing the wireless ecosystem. The conference not only brings together the best and brightest in the wireless industry, it actually spans the communications and technology industry. For more information on registering for the 4GWE Conference click here.

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Arvind Arora is a contributing editor for MobilityTechzone. To read more of Arvind's articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Rich Steeves


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