Power lines as high speed data transmission channels-modelling the physical limits

With the cessation of the last monopolies in central Europe significant changes are taking place in the field of fixed network telecommunications. Currently alternative fast communication links over the so-called "last mile" are of major interest to establish real competition. The electrical power distribution grid could turn out to be an ideal candidate to cope with the existing standard communication links based on copper wiring. However, the power grid would have to carry data rates in the range from 2.10 Mbits/s. This paper thoroughly examines the physical properties of distribution grids for the intended telecommunication applications. Towards this aim the frequency range up to 20 MHz has been investigated. At the moment steps for identification and extraction of essential channel parameters towards a channel model are under way. Some first results are presented.