Multifunctional Socket for Smart Grid Applications using Ethernet over Power Lines and USB over IP technologies

Smart grid modern implementation involves, besides alternative energy sources and various new electric appliances, the use of power line communication (PLC) technologies that allow utility extension towards multifunctionality and compactness. This paper proposes an implementation of such combined technologies: Ethernet over Powerlines (EoP) and USB over IP (USB/IP), in a proof-of-concept application, highlighting its advantages and drawbacks. The improvements of the application may be noted in the electricity infrastructure dimension, fast data transfer between a large range of peripherals, the reduction of electromagnetic interference and of the overall costs.