A Case Study: Broadband Over Powerline for Rural Area Deployment in Sarawak

Abstract

Broadband over powerline (BPL) is a technology that allows connectivity to internet connection riding via the low tension (LT) power line communication (PLC). A hybrid BPL technology was proposed to the rural area of Sarawak as an alternative option to expand the internet connection without the need to reform a new pathway for internet connectivity. The data signal is transmitted via a communication tower to the access point(s) that is mounted on an electricity pole that provides a low voltage (LV) line. There are three types of custom-designed equipment that has been integrated into the hybrid BPL: the Head End (HE), the Time Division Repeater (TDR) and the Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). Two longhouses at the Bawang Assan, Sarawak settlement has been chosen to initiate the pilot project that required the cooperation of the technology provider, power producer, and the internet service provider. This paper presents a proof of concept (POC) on the deployment, advantages, and limitations for the BPL in a rural setting.