A channel model proposal for indoor power line communications

In this article, a channel model for broadband indoor Power Line Communications (PLC) is presented and discussed. The modeling approach is based on the physical structure of the electrical networks inside homes and small offices. The structure has been simplified to derive a parametric model that still preserves the essential behavior of these channels in the HF band (up to 30 MHz). The model provides realistic channels by setting values to a reduced number of physical parameters. In addition, statistical distributions for such parameters that allow generating ensembles of random channels are suggested. The validity of the generated channels is assessed by comparing their behavior to the one of channels measured at several indoor power networks. Hence, this model can be employed to estimate the performance of transmission techniques on PLC channels, to aid in the design of PLC systems or to make prototype conformance tests.