Netze BW’s Metering Point Operator business unit was able to announce the successful launch of a BPL project in its supply area of Ettenheim in the Wallburg district.
Rollout planners are well aware of the difficulty of ensuring high coverage (90/95%) in accordance with the German MsbG law using LTE connections alone – LTE availability in rural areas and thick basement walls prevent high rates and all too often lead to installation being cancelled. Broadband Powerline (BPL) enables efficient IP communications over existing power lines in the distribution network, with significantly improved accessibility. BPL technology continues to evolve around the world and the latest generation of BPL is now being promoted globally by companies such as Panasonic, GE and PPC through the Nessum Alliance. With more flexible use of the frequency spectrum, even greater ranges can be achieved with lower power consumption. As a result, even longer cable runs or cable sections with high attenuation can be more easily connected using communication technology.
In addition to the required BPL solution, PPC also offers many years of experience in SMGW integration, making it easy to set up your own BPL network. The basic infrastructure for the BPL network was created in Wallburg in August 2024. This means that local network stations and cable distribution cabinets were equipped with repeaters and headends with an integrated LTE backbone. The installations were carried out by colleagues from the local operational service unit, supported by PPC with training and practical exercises. The planned installation of the SMGWs with integrated latest-generation BPL module will take place from 2025 and Wallburg is prepared for the rollout.
With this pilot installation, Netze BW and PPC are setting another important milestone in digital transformation and demonstrating that poor radio coverage and thick basement walls in historic buildings do not have to be an obstacle to the rollout of smart meters.
This step forward in WAN communications is also gaining international attention. PPC presented the project and solutions to the industry at the Nessum Europe Day and the EUTC in Brussels in November 2024. Everyone there agreed that broadband is a key technology for the successful digitalisation of our networks – and that robust solutions beyond LTE are needed.
