CEA To Set Powerline Networking Standard By January 1, 2001

Leading Home Networking Companies Will Select New Standard from Existing Technologies

19-May-00

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced that it is working to establish a single standard for high data rate home networking using the powerlines already installed in every home. Recognizing the need for a baseline technology standard, CEA has invited integrated home systems industry stakeholders to participate in the creation of a standard for residential powerline networks, to be completed by years' end. CEA's R7 Home Networking Committee has been laboring since the beginning of this year to develop a standard for high data rate powerline carrier communications (PLC) in the home. The members of the committee include a number of the leading PLC technology companies as well as key companies in the consumer electronics and home networking industries. ""Last year CEA was asked by a number of the companies developing home networking technologies to select a single standard for home networking over powerlines from among the many approaches under development,"" explains Ralph Justus, CEA Vice President of Technology and Standards. ""These companies recognized the need for standards to avoid market and customer confusion that can result from a lack of standards and incompatible products. CEA responded by creating the Data Networking Subcommittee (R7.3) under the auspices of the Home Networking Committee (R7).""Through a formal evaluation process that is already underway, CEA's Data Networking Subcommittee is selecting a single standard that capitalizes on the consumer benefits associated with powerline networking. This open process will result in a standard for a high data-rate powerline networking technology with the ability to handle isochronous data (including audio, video and voice telephony) and asynchronous data (shared Internet access and file transfer). The selected technology will be forward-compatible as higher data-rate technologies are developed and will not interfere with existing home control and automation standards. ""CEA is working toward the goal of a single standard, to be completed by the end of this year, that supports the needs of the audio, video, PC and telephony industries. The home networking industry is looking to avoid conflicting standards on the powerline that could lead to confusion in the market and a delay in the availability of the powerlines for networking appliances in the home,"" says Bill Rose, Vice President of Electronic Engineering at the Leviton Manufacturing Company and Chair of the R7 Home Networking Committee. ""As an internationally recognized Standards Developing Organization (SDO), CEA welcomes all interested companies and consortiums to participate in the process.""Networking over the powerlines offers consumers many advantages. Power outlets are conveniently located throughout the home, the technology is cost-effective and they provide a simple way to install a network without new wiring. The convenience of connecting devices through power outlets promises to provide a boost to networks in homes and will foster many new products and applications delivering entertainment, information access and telephony services to consumers.The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales.CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES - Your Source for Workstyle and Lifestyle Technology. All profits from CES are reinvested into industry services, including technical training and education, industry promotion, engineering standards development, market research and legislative advocacy.