Nortel And Norweb Launch Latest Version Of Digital PowerLine
The latest version of Digital PowerLine, the technology which allows Internet and data to be transmitted over electricity power lines, was launched at CeBIT in Hannover by Nortel (Northern Telecom) and Norweb.
The new Digital PowerLine solution, branded the DPL 1000, will make installation of the Digital PowerLine technology in the home faster and easier, and will provide a simple interface to a whole range of devices. The system is more flexible being compatible with a wide variety of platforms including laptops, PCs and Macs.
The upgraded DPL 1000 version is based on a standalone unit connected to the power supply by standard coaxial cable and then linked to the data world by standard Ethernet cables
Digital PowerLine technology was unveiled by Nortel and Norweb in October 1997. The system gives electricity users high speed access to data communications services, linking their computers to the outside world over existing electricity mains connections at speeds of at least one Megabit per second, up to ten times faster than ISDN.
As the new technology has standard interfaces such as Ethernet and Universal Serial Bus (USB), several machines can be connected to a single DPL box simultaneously to create a local area network (LAN) in the home or office.
DPL 1000 also provides telecommunications network management by the electricity company for the purpose of monitoring and maintenance as well as providing additional services to satisfy growing customer requirements. The new system also unleashes the future potential for home automation by enabling remote operation of appliances such as the video or the oven.
The Digital PowerLine solution consists of a DPL 1000 mainstation, a DPL 1000 basestation, a DPL 1000 coupling unit and a DPL 1000 communications module. The total solution provides a competitively positioned access network which integrates seamlessly into today's WAN networks.
Major benefits to network providers include low connection cost due to reuse of existing infrastructure, potential for increased revenues; and a management system, based upon Nortel's Magellan ATM management platform, which allows network operators to monitor and maintain pre-determined service levels and availability.
Arrangements are underway to carryout commercial trials of the new product throughout Europe and Asia.
Norweb, part of United Utilities plc, provides advanced voice and data services and has achieved significant success in providing resilient networks for businesses throughout the north west of the UK.
Nortel in Europe had 1997 sales of US $3.5 billion, operating both independently and through its joint ventures, Nortel Dasa Network Systems with Daimler-Benz Aerospace AG in Germany and Matra Communication with the Lagardere Group in France.