Highly reliable power line communications system

In an electric power distribution system that includes premises power distribution lines, an electric power line communications system operatively associated with the electric power distribution system to provide through the premises power distribution lines highly reliable communication links among modulated carrier signal receiving devices electrically coupled or located in proximity to the premises power distribution lines, comprising:

• a power line transceiver designed to transmit and receive over the premises power distribution lines modulated carrier signals conveying information over the communication links, the power line transceiver operating in a transmitter mode as an intentional radiator to emit the modulated carrier signals by transmitting them at a frequency band and a power level sufficient to form by electrical conduction a communication link with a modulated carrier signal receiving device that is electrically coupled to the premises power distribution lines, and to form by at least one of electrical induction a communication link by coupling across electric power distribution line phases or electromagnetic radiation a communication link with a modulated carrier signal receiving device that is located in proximity to the premises power distribution lines.