Advancing PLC Network Analysis: The Design of a Comprehensive PLC Media Characterization System

Power Line Communication (PLC) is a data transmission technology that utilizes pre-existing electrical infrastructures. In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a comprehensive system of PLC measurement nodes capable of working in unison within the same network. This approach allows for holistic medium characterization, offering significant advancements over traditional measurement equipment. In particular, our PLC Media Characterization System (PLC-MCS) covers the entire Narrowband PLC (NB-PLC) frequency spectrum and is able to perform long-term data acquisition of noise and transfer functions. Complementing these features, every node is equipped with an integrated metrology chipset, further enriching the insights with detailed information about the power lines' status. Additionally, the system is designed for easy installation and full customizability of test cases to suit various measurement scenarios, making it a highly versatile tool for PLC network characterization. A detailed description of the entire system and the details of our hardware and software designs are provided to offer a more exhaustive comprehension of PLC networks, thereby laying the groundwork for improvements in their performance and reliability as media for communication.