A novel network layer management protocol for the multi-master low-voltage power line communication network

A novel network layer management protocol for the low-voltage power line communication (PLC) network is proposed, focusing on the dynamic network address assignment mechanism of the PLC network with a multi-master topology. The remarkable feature of the presented protocol is that it enables the equipments to claim, configure and maintain their network addresses autonomously within the PLC network. Data communications can also be performed freely without the interferences of the network management equipments. Experimental results verified its flexibility and reliability. This protocol is tailored for the PLC networks composed of various flexible and plug-and-play equipments, which make it suitable and promising in the areas of smart home and office automation, as well as the industrial networks with low data transfer rate and soft real time requirements.