Abstract
The standards in power line communications (PLC) calibrate
parameters such as frequencies allocation, signal level, security, topology of the
network and many others parameters. The leap forward of power line communications
technology is motivated by the willingness of the standardization
organizations (SDO)s such as ITU, IEC, ISO, IEEE, CENELEC to define how
the technologies are going to be deployed. This paper presents the different
SDOs, Alliances and groups regulating the PLC sector. The interoperability and
coexistence for some technologies are underlined. The process of developing
PLC standards by ITU, IEEE 1901, CENELEC is described. The advantages
and disadvantages of using PLC technology in Africa are discussed.