Power line based LAN applications in residential communications and control

Southern California Edison is currently developing a system level house design that allows one central intelligent unit to control a variety of domestic tasks which will enhance customer convenience, comfort, security, energy efficiency and management. One of the control and communications strategies under test uses the CEBus (consumer electronics bus) spread spectrum technology to transmit data and control signals over existing AC power lines. This report discusses the test program and current development status. Phase I is a large scale communication test performed during the spring and summer of 1992. This test evaluated the reliability of the CEBus communication protocol in actual occupied homes. Phase II is an appliance control test in which modified appliances were controlled and operational data collected using the CEBus. Test results for both phases are discussed