MIMO PLC: Theory, measurements and system setup

Inhome Power Line Communications (PLC) enables new and highly convenient networking functions without any additional wires to mains-powered devices. Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) methods significantly improve the coverage of guaranteed data throughputs in private homes. This paper gives an overview on MIMO PLC. The results from the channel measurements motivate to implement a MIMO PLC feasibility study in hardware. The system demonstrates HD video streaming over a 2×4 MIMO channel using Beamforming. A MIMO artificial mains network allows testing of the system in the laboratory.