New HomeGrid Forum paper discusses coexistence and interoperability in a mixed vendor PLC environment

HomeGrid Forum has released a white paper titled “Coexistence and Interoperability in a mixed vendor PLC environment,” which describes these two different concepts and their role in providing the best possible user experience and avoiding false expectations from users looking to expand their network.

The white paper explains the importance of interoperability in networking technologies and how this allows different chipsets to send and receive data between each other. Coexistence is a different concept, as it attempts to solve the problem of devices using different, non-interoperable technologies on the same physical network segment.

Donna Yasay, President of HomeGrid Forum, said: “Interoperability, backwards compatibility, coexistence and neighbouring network interference are all concepts that can have a very real impact on the usability and performance of powerline technologies. HomeGrid Forum has an important role in pushing implementations to support these concepts, but without introducing unnecessary costs.”

The highly versatile nature of G.hn is also highlighted in the paper. It explains how coexistence can be accomplished for powerline technologies using the Inter System Protocol (ISP), which has already been implemented into some G.hn silicon, unlike other technologies which can be present on a physical powerline segment. Further, some G.hn silicon has implemented a proprietary mechanism to achieve partial coexistence by recognising the presence of other technologies. Finally, G.hn is the only standard for wired home networks that incorporates effective mitigation of interference from neighbouring powerline systems.

The importance of certification and compliance programs is also highlighted as a vital service to consumers and service providers who need full interoperability.

“HomeGrid Forum takes its role in providing information to educate potential customers about these important concepts very seriously and this is reflected in the new white paper. We also believe it is important to highlight the value of certification and compliance programs for consumers and service providers to maintain a high-quality user experience,” added Yasay.