Data transmission over a power line communications system
AssigneeNorthern Telecom Limited
InventorRobin Paul Rickard
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A power line communications system has at least one power line upon which noise level varies with time. The system determines quiet periods when noise upon the line is at a reduced level and transmits one or more data packets within the quiet periods, so as to increase data throughput in the system.
Claims18
A method of transmitting data in a power line communications system comprising a power line upon which noise level varies with time, the power line comprising a plurality of different phase lines, there being a plurality of subscriber stations coupled to the phase lines, the method comprising:
- determining quiet periods when noise upon the phase lines is at a reduced level;
- and
- transmitting data packets over the power line to subscriber stations, each packet being transmitted within a single one of the determined quiet periods, wherein each of the packets is preferentially transmitted to a subscriber station on a phase line during a quiet period occurring on that phase line.
A method of operating a communications transmitting station in a power line communications system comprising a power line upon which noise level varies with time, the power line comprising a plurality of different phase lines, there being a plurality of subscriber stations coupled to the phase lines, the method comprising:
- determining quiet periods when noise upon the phase lines is at a reduced level;
- and
- transmitting data packets over the power line to subscriber stations, each packet being transmitted within a single one of the determined quiet periods, wherein each of the packets is preferentially transmitted to a subscriber station on a phase line during a quiet period occurring on that phase line.
A transmitting station apparatus for use in a power line communications system comprising a power line upon which noise level varies with time, the power line comprising a plurality of different phase lines, there being a plurality of subscriber stations coupled to the phase lines;
- the apparatus comprising:
- means for determining quiet periods when noise upon the phase lines is at a reduced level;
- and,
- means for transmitting data packets over the power line to subscriber stations, each packet being transmitted within a single one of the determined quiet periods, wherein each of the packets is preferentially transmitted to a subscriber station on a phase line during a quiet period occurring on that phase line.
A power line communications system comprising:
- a power line upon which noise level varies with time, the power line comprising a plurality of different phase lines;
- a plurality of subscriber stations coupled to the phase lines;
- means for determining a quiet period when noise upon the phase lines is at a reduced level;
- and,
- means for transmitting data packets over the power line to subscriber stations, each packet being transmitted within a single one of the determined quiet periods, wherein each of the packets is preferentially transmitted to a subscriber station on a phase line during a quiet period occurring on that phase line.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.