First Mile Access Networks and Enabling Technologies

PLC and LRE

PLC is a smart way to provide broadband access using high-speed copper lines originally meant for electrical power transfer. LRE, on the other hand, is used to provide point-to-point Ethernet services between two ends of a last inch solution. Typically, an LRE solution and a PLC solution go hand in hand. Consider, for example, a high-rise building that is to be given broadband access. Without laying new network media, the best way to do so is to use the existing infrastructure. In this scenario, DSL is one way to meet the demands. However, DSL suffers from speed limitations. Therefore, PLC and LRE are clubbed together. From the base of the building to each floor, we set up an LRE network. The LRE network is limited primarily by distance ...