Abstract: A method of two-way communications over a power distribution network in which outbound communication signals (O) and an inbound communication signals (I) modulate a time-varying waveform propagated through the network, on the low voltage side of the network. An outbound signal waveform is detected at a customer location (C) with remote communication equipment (RCE) at the customer location then producing a return or inbound communication signal. A corresponding inbound signal is produced in an associated voltage waveform and this signal is detected and processed by a distribution concentrator unit (DCU) at the sending end of the network. The transmission and detection of signals on the low voltage side of the network requires less energy than the generation, propagation, detection, and processing of signals on the high voltage side thereof.

Abstract: A method of two-way communications over a power distribution network in which outbound communication signals (O) and an inbound communication signals (I) modulate a time-varying waveform propagated through the network, on the low voltage side of the network. An outbound signal waveform is detected at a customer location (C) with remote communication equipment (RCE) at the customer location then producing a return or inbound communication signal. A corresponding inbound signal is produced in an associated voltage waveform and this signal is detected and processed by a distribution concentrator unit (DCU) at the sending end of the network. The transmission and detection of signals on the low voltage side of the network requires less energy than the generation, propagation, detection, and processing of signals on the high voltage side thereof.

Abstract: A method for concurrently communicating over each phase of an electrical power distribution network (N). A first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted over one phase (AN-A) of a bus (S) by an outbound modulation unit. The unit is released as soon as the first outbound signal (SO1) is transmitted so the unit can transmit a second outbound signal (SO2) over a second phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. The second outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with an inbound signal (IB1) sent in response to the first outbound signal (SO1). The unit is again released, as soon as the second outbound signal (SO2) is transmitted, so the unit can transmit a third outbound signal (SO3) over the third phase (BN-B or CN-C) of the bus. This third outbound signal is transmitted concurrently with a second inbound signal (IB2) sent in response to the second outbound signal (SO2). The method allows concurrent communications over all three phases of the network (N).