Example 1 : When an Electric Utility becomes an ISP.
The project :
Epresa, an Electric Utility located in the south of Spain (Puerto Real) wanted to enhance its services offer with an Internet access option, on top of the furniture of energy to its customers. On the basis of its experience in Barcelona, Epresa decided to propose a comprehensive Internet Access solution, relying on Ilevo PLC equipment.
Specifications :
- Use Epresa local loop in order to connect PLC head-ends within MV/LV substations
- Repeat the PLC signal along MV/LV electrical grids
- Offer different Internet access options with symmetrical rates : 1, 2, 3 Mbps
- Offer a complete Voice over IP service (competitive pricing, voice mail) by using PLC modems available
- To have an isolated administration network, independant from data and VoIP networks
- Apply QoS on different services in order to prioritize critical flows (Voice, Management)
Technologies used :
- Ilevo PLC head-ends, repeaters, and CPE, with 200 Mbps technology
- 1-phase inductive coupling (Medium Voltage) and capacitive (Low Voltage)
- BAS server to conclude PPPoE sessions
- H323 protocol for VoIP
- Redundant LDAP, RADIUS, TFTP, DHCP servers
- 802.1p protocol management to ensure QoS all along the way
Deployment :
- Ilevo PLC equipment - 200 Mbps technology
- 50 head-ends
- 500 repeaters
- 1000 Data/VoIP CPE
Detailed PLC network and equipment overview (click on icons for more information)
Figure 1 - When an Electric Utility becomes an ISP.
Epresa network components :
PLC head-ends.This equipment is connected on an existing standard Ethernet network and injects PLC signal on the electrical grid (either one or several cables). Head-ends used by Epresa are directly connected to the optical fiber loop, thus bridging directly the PLC network to Epresa's MAN.
The head-end equipment then spreads all different VLAN to PLC equipment. It handles 802.1q and 802.1p tags, in order to ensure interoperability with the upstream layer 2 equipment (switches).
It also ensures QoS functions in order to prioritize critical flows (Voice, Management) as defined in equipment configuration.
>> Read the datasheet.
The repeater allows the extension of the PLC signal and connects the Customer Premise Equipment (CPE).
If PLC coverage is large (ex : Epresa), it might be necessary to use repeaters to extend the PLC signal. Two types of repetition are possible, either time or frequency division. It is possible to install several repeaters on the same cable section, until reaching end-users.
CPEs are generally connected to the last repeater. Thanks to Radius protocol support, repeaters can either accept or reject the synchronization of a modem.
The repeater receives different VLAN from the main head-end and then spreads the existing VLAN on the network. It handles 802.1q and 802.1p tags.
It also ensures QoS functions in order to prioritize critical flows (Voice, Management) as defined in equipment configuration
>> Read the datasheet.
The CPE connects the end-user. As the last element of the PLC network. It can be connected to any power outlet inside the end-user's premises. A 10/100 Mbps port allows the CPE to be connected to a PC or a laptop. No driver needs to be installed on the end-user's computer.
Thanks to PLC technology, it is possible to offer symmetrical rates. Thus, Epresa offers different connection options, from 1 to 3 Mbps symmetrical.
Ilevo CPE complies with standard voice on IP protocols (H323 and SIP). Thus end-users can plug any analog phone via the voice port RJ11 of the CPE and use PLC to make phone calls !
Epresa set up the VoIP infrastructure required to provide this service and all users can benefit from this telephony offer.
>> Read the datasheet of the VoIP CPE or the datasheet of the data CPE.
Provisioning and monitoring. The administration network connects all authentication and product configuration servers : DHCP, TFTP, RADIUS (provisioning). When an equipment is connected to the PLC network, it uses the administration network to get its IP address and its configuration files.
On the same basis, SNMP requests are sent to equipment to ensure that everything works well (monitoring).
Because of its critical aspect, the administration network must be isolated from other connected networks (Internet, VoIP).
With the use of VLAN on Ilevo PLC equipment , the administration network is isolated and protected, giving Epresa a high level of security to administrate its subscribers.
Internet access for the subscribers. Epresa has connections to Internet transit providers, allowing its subscribers to access the worldwide web.
To access the network, a subscriber must be authenticated using a PPPoE client.
A BAS (Broadband Access Server), administrated by Epresa, concludes PPPoE sessions.
ToIP/VoIP management. Since Ilevo modems are compliant with standard protocols SIP and H323, Epresa could set up a VoIP service for its subscribers. Epresa chose to use H323 on its network.
The customer just have to plug a standard analog phone into the Ilevo modem to give and receive calls.
In the heart of Epresa's network, a gatekeeper is related to the software Asterisk to manage PABX (voice mail, transfer of calls).
Each subscriber has its own phone number and incoming / outgoing VoIP calls are routed to na IP telephony specialized operator, offering competitive prices to Epresa's subscribers.
Conlusion
Thanks to Epresa innovating project, inhabitants of Puerto Real can now benefit from a symmetrical broadband Internet access by PLC.
Ilevo "Access-oriented" range of products allowed Epresa to easily implement PLC equipment on its network & system infrastructure.
By using innovating features of Ilevo products, Epresa offers voice on IP services to its subscribers, in respect to the QoS policy defined for the overall network. This VoIP service is very successful among subscribers, and constitutes an important source of revenue for Epresa.
Epresa PLC offer is positioned as a real alternative to local operators solutions, relying on xDSL and cable technologies.
Today, 25% of its Internet customers portfolio comes from competitors.
