Abstract
In this paper it is shown how a power line can be
used to conductively carry and re-radiate 2.45GHz Wi-Fi signals
over a distance. This can be useful when a conventional RF links’
line-of-sight operation at 2.45GHz is obscured for example in
multiple story buildings where Wi-Fi has difficulty penetrating.
Commercial Wi-Fi modems were used to transfer data on a
power line for up to 65m (non-energised) and up to 20m in a
typical industrial energised situation. One modem was coupled to
the power line, the line used as a travelling wave antenna and the
second modem used in normal RF mode. This was compared to a
direct RF link - where both modems were used in RF mode.
Although a RF link performs better at long distances, with line of
sight or few obstacles, the contactless power line configuration
compared well in performance for a distance of up to 40m.