
Figure 7.17 illustrates Thesys (on the left) and Devolo MicroLink dLAN Wire-
less (on the right) PLC/Wi-Fi modems.
Some manufacturers are currently working on the optimization of the MAC
layer between PLC and Wi-Fi in order to increase the reliability of these hybrid net-
works and their performance at the MAC layer level. These projects should result in
products marketed in 2009.
One of the optimal PLC applications as a supplement to Wi-Fi consists of using
the lighting system of a building to build a PLC backbone and placing the
PLC/Wi-Fi devices close to the bulbs.
The Taiwanese company Lite-on offers the ORB product appearing as a Wi-Fi
PLC bulb that, in addition to its function as a lightbulb, is used for the efficient dif-
fusion of the Wi-Fi radio signal in the room. This bulb is PLC connected both to the
lighting system and to the other PLC or PLC/Wi-Fi devices of the lighting system
and of the supply power system.
Multifunction PLC Modems
Some PLC products include various network functions meeting the requirements of
network engineers as well as users, in particular the following ones:
•
Ethernet PLC/hub modem used to connect several PCs to the same PLC
Ethernet modem.
PLC Modems 137
Figure 7.16 LEA-Legrand SmartPlug PLC outlet schematic diagram
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