Data Throughput Maximization for Broadband over Power Line

In the last few years, Power Line Communication (PLC) has gained momentum due to high data rate communication over existing power lines. The Home Plug AV (HPAV) and High Definition Power Line Communication (HD-PLC) are PLC specifications designed to provide 200 Mbps of PHY channel rate between hosts connected by modems operating at 2-28 MHz frequency range for home usage. A Logical Network (LN) formed by two or more modems allows communication with each other by sharing the same network key. With most of the world's population residing in Multi Dwelling Unit (MDU), there is high chance of unintentional interference among LNs assuming each unit of MDU owns an LN. In such a case, the channel bandwidth is shared among interfering LNs; thereby reducing combined throughput of all LNs. Considering LNs are given separate power line channels and operating on different phases, they may still undergo crosstalk if the power line channels are placed closer than a certain minimum separation. This paper suggests a method to maximize the combined throughput in a MDU keeping in view the LN interference. The solution also proposes a practical case of improving throughput between application servers situation in apartment blocks.