Distribution line communications using CSMA access control with priority acknowledgements

The authors describe the use and performance of CSMA (carrier-sense multiple access) with priority acknowledgements for medium access control on distribution power line communication networks. Such networks suffer from highly variable, ever-changing, and unpredictable signal-to-noise ratio. The architecture of the CSMA implementation is described, along with its advantages relative to other access control schemes. The best packet length, in terms of throughput maximization, was found to approximate 1000 bits. Delay-throughput performance is measured, and the particular effects on performance of the power-line channel behavior are ascertained. Extensive tests were conducted on intrabuilding lines using channel bit rates from 1200 to 19200 bits/s, with FSK (frequency-shift keying) and spread-spectrum PSK (phase-shift keying) modems transmitting at 3 V RMS at frequencies ranging from 40 to 120 kHz. The reported results include potentially difficult cases involving transmission across power phases