IEEE 1901

IEEE P1901 is an IEEE working group developing the global standard for high speed powerline communications. During its Tokyo meeting 24 July 2009, the working group approved its "IEEE 1901 Draft Standard for Broadband over Power Line Networks: Medium Access Control and Physical Layer Specifications" as an IEEE draft standard for broadband over powerline networks defining medium access control and physical layer specifications. In January 2010 the draft standard was published by the IEEE.

The P1901 Draft Standard includes two different PHY layers, one based on OFDM modulation and another based on Wavelet modulation. Each PHY is optional, and implementers of the specification may, but are not required to include both. Devices that use the OFDM PHY only would not interoperate with devices based on Wavelet PHY. A small minority of members of P1901 maintain that this lack of interoperability defeats the purpose of having a standard. Others maintain that it is a necessary step to market consolidation. The OFDM PHY is derived from HomePlug AV technology and is widely deployed worldwide in HomePlug-based products. The Wavelet PHY is more narrowly deployed, primarily in Japan.

Dual PHY

P1901 includes two PHY options. The first option ("FFT PHY") is based on FFT OFDM modulation, with a Forward error correction (FEC) scheme based on Convolutional Turbo code (CTC). The second option ("Wavelet PHY") is based on Wavelet OFDM modulation, with a mandatory FEC based on concatenated Reed-Solomon (RS) and Convolutional code, and an option to use Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) code.

P1901 timeline

In October 2007 the working group completed the down selection process. The final proposal selected by the group was a combined Homeplug/Panasonic proposal. All other proposals were eliminated.

In December 2008 the working group voted to adopt the Baseline with broad support (85% for the in-home cluster, 97% for the access cluster and 100% for the coexistence cluster).

In February 2009, the tasks of updating the baseline document were allocated to four Technical Subgroups (TSGs). TSG1 is in charge of editorial tasks, TSG2 is in charge of the confirmed FFT and Wavelet PHYs and MACs, TSG3 is in charge of developing a potential ITU-T G.hn Compatible PHY/MAC option (subsequently removed), and TSG4 is in charge of all coexistence aspects.

In July 2009, the working group voted to approve the Draft Standard.

In January 2010 the Draft Standard was Published.

In April 2010, the initial 30-day sponsor ballot on Draft 3.0 yielded 98% returned ballots of the 56 voting entities and 81% affirmative votes. 857 comments were received.

In April 2010, IEEE announced that the Homeplug Powerline Alliance and the HD-PLC Alliance were developing a joint certification program for IEEE 1901's ISP coexistence protocol and that the program would be available in May 2010.

In June 2010, the P1901 working group completed resolution of the sponsor ballot comments received on Draft 3.0, and Draft 4.0 was generated. With 93% affirmative votes, the WG voted to move Draft 4.0 to recirculation Sponsor Ballot. The recirculation Sponsor Ballot will be conducted during the coming weeks.

In September 2010, Draft 4.01 was submitted to the IEEE-SA Standards Board for consideraton as an IEEE Standard at the 28-30 September board meeting series.

Related Standards

IEEE P1675 is another IEEE standard related to Broadband over Power Line. P1675 provides testing and verification standards for the hardware commonly used for Broadband over Power Line (BPL) installations (primarily couplers and enclosures) and provides standard installation methods to ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards.

IEEE P1775 ("Powerline Communication Equipment — Electromagnetic Compatibility Requirements — Testing and Measurement Methods") is an IEEE working group focused on PLC equipment, electromagnetic compatibility requirements, and testing and measurement methods.

See also

• Power line communication
• G.hn
• HomePNA
• HomeRF
• HomeIR

• HomePlug_Powerline_Alliance#AV
• Multimedia over Coax Alliance
• Power over Ethernet

References

Buckley, Sean. "IEEE Sets Foundation for Global Powerline Network Standard - FierceTelecom." Telecom News, Telecom Companies, Telecom Industry – FierceTelecom. Fierce Telecom, 21 Apr. 2010. Web. 16 July 2010. <http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/ieee-sets-foundation-global-powerline-network-standard/2010-04-21>.

"Major Features Approved for Broadband over Powerline Spec - Cabling Installation & Maintenance." Cabling Installation and Maintenance - Cable Installation, Network Cable, LAN Cable. Web. 16 July 2010. <http://www.cablinginstall.com/index/display/article-display/2627895585/articles/cabling-installation-maintenance/news/cabling-standards/ieee/2010/june/major-features_approved.html>.

Melanson, Donald. "IEEE P1901 Powerline Networking Standard Passes Key Hurdle." Engadget. 21 Apr. 2010. Web. 16 July 2010. <http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/21/ieee-p1901-powerline-networking-standard-passes-key-hurdle/>.

Onado, Frederic. "Homteoys Interview With Frederic Onado Is COO of SPiDCOM About IEEE 1901." HomeToys - The Home Technology Information Source. June 2010. Web. 16 July 2010. <http://www.hometoys.com/ezine/10.06/onado/index.htm>.

The Online Reporter. "IEEE Approves Unified Powerline Network Standard." The Online Reporter. 23 Apr. 2010. Web. 16 July 2010. <http://www.onlinereporter.com/article.php?article_id=18506>.

Willington, Ray. "HomePlug Powerline Alliances Gets IEEE Backing: Standard To Come Soon - HotHardware." HotHardware - Tech, Computers, Gadgets, Reviews, News and Analysis. 20 Apr. 2010. Web. 16 July 2010. <http://hothardware.com/News/HomePlug-Powerline-Alliances-Gets-IEEE-Backing-Standard-To-Come-Soon/>.

External links

• IEEE P1901 Official site
• IEEE P1901 PAR describes the official scope of the work group

Citations

This article incorporates some information taken from IEEE P1901 Official site with permission.