Abstract: The coupler of the present invention couples broadband RF signals to and from a power line conductor. The coupler of one embodiment that is for use with overhead power lines includes a length of URD MV cable with the neutral conductor removed and that is communicatively coupled to a MV power line at each end on opposite sides of a low pass filter. A radio frequency choke is communicatively coupled to URD MV cable between first and second coupling capacitors. The semi-conductive jacket of the URD cable may be coupled to ground via a low frequency conductive path.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50–60 Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: The present invention provides communications via multiple power lines that are communicatively coupled to each other at a coupling location, which for example may be at a substation. In one embodiment, the system may comprise a first communications device communicatively coupled to a first power line at a first location, wherein the first location is a first distance from the coupling location. A second communications device may be communicatively coupled to a second power line at a second location, wherein the second location is a second distance from the coupling location. The devices may be backhaul points, bypass devices, or other PLC network elements. The first communications device transmits data over power lines a first communications distance. The locations are selected so that sum of the first distance and second distance is greater than the first communications distance even if the first distance is less than the first communications distance.

Abstract: A communication device for use with a power line communication system is provided. One embodiment forms a bypass device and comprises a low voltage coupler, a low voltage signal conditioner, a controller, a medium voltage modem, a first medium voltage signal conditioner, an isolator, a second medium voltage signal conditioner, and a medium voltage coupler. The controller may provide routing functions to give priority to certain types of data, control access to the network, filter data packets, process software upgrades, and provision new subscriber devices. In addition, the controller may monitor, process, and transmit traffic data, measured power data, errors, and other collected data.

Abstract: The coupler of the present invention includes a plurality of core members that are disposed between the semi-conductive ground jacket and neutral conductor of a standard URD MV cable. The core members are series wound by a transformer conductor, which forms a secondary winding that is coupled to the primary of a transformer, which provides impedance translation and/or isolation. The secondary of the transformer is coupled to a connector for communicating data signals through the coupler.

Abstract: A device for providing communications through power lines that are communicatively coupled to an electrical distribution network infrastructure and to the internal wiring of at least one customer premises having one or more communication devices therein is provided. One embodiment comprises a coupler configured to be coupled to the electrical distribution network infrastructure, a modem in communication with the coupler to communicate data through the power lines; and a wireless transceiver in communication with said modem. In some embodiments, the electrical distribution network infrastructure may be a structure that uses electricity, such as a street light.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device for transporting a signal over a power line. The inventive method includes inducing an alternating current (AC) voltage from the power line, powering a transceiver device with the induced AC voltage, communicating the signal with the transceiver device via the power line. The method further may include transmitting and/or receiving the signal with an end user via the transceiver device. The transceiver device may be a fiber optic-based device that transmits data to the end user over non-metallic fiber optic links. The method may filter the induced AC voltage, and separately filter the signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for operating a power line communications system that is comprised of a plurality of network elements, which may take the form of repeaters, bypass devices, backhaul devices, wireless backhaul devices, enhanced bypass device, communication interface devices and others. In one embodiment, two groups of network elements in the same electrical distribution system are isolated except selected communication link.

Abstract: Isolating data in a power line communications system. Although plural subscribers receive electric power distributed from a common distribution transformer, it is desirable to isolate their branch lines from one another when those branch lines are used to conduct data communications as a supplement to electric power delivery. This isolation of branch lines implemented in a centralized way at the distribution transformer, or alternatively, in a distributed way at each subscriber's premises. These implementations are made using low pass filters (which pass the power but block the data) and power line communications routers or power line communications repeaters.

Abstract: The communication system of one embodiment is for communicating data through a power distribution system having a medium voltage power line and low voltage power line and comprises a first device comprising a first wireless transceiver, a first modem in communication with the first wireless transceiver and the medium voltage power line. The system may also comprise a second device comprising a second wireless transceiver in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver; and a second modem in communication with the second wireless transceiver and the low voltage power line.

Abstract: A method of communicatively coupling power line communication (PLC) devices to a first and second overhead power line conductor that travel in a substantially parallel physical arrangement and in spaced-apart relation is provided. The method may comprise coupling a first PLC device to the first power line conductor at a first location, coupling a second PLC device to the first power line conductor at a second location for communication with said first PLC device, at least in part, via the first power line conductor, coupling a third PLC device to the second power line conductor at a third location for communication with said first PLC device; and wherein said third location is between said first location and said second location.

Abstract: The last portion of the electrical distribution system is used to provide high-speed communications to residential homes. An aggregation point interfaces a medium voltage power line with a point-of-presence, and a power line bridge enables flow of communications signals between the medium voltage power line and a low voltage power line across a distribution transformer.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50-60 Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: A signal is received from a first portion of a power line and at least a portion of the signal is converted to a non-electrically conducting signal. The non-electrically conducting signal may be communicated to a non-electrically conductive communication path. In this manner, the non-electrically conducting signal may have properties that do not provide imminent danger from human contact.

Abstract: A PLCS network element that provides communications to one or more user devices and may also repeat data for other network elements is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes software for discovering its upstream gateway, for acting as a gateway for other devices, and for relaying DHCP transmissions. In addition, the device includes software for receiving and processing commands from a remote computer system that may include commands enabling and disabling the repeater functionality. Finally, the device may also include software for receiving and processing configuration information that may include, for example, information of the other network devices for which it will repeat.