Evaluation Model for Equipment Estimation of Broadband Access Network Over Medium Voltage Power Lines

This study deals with the problem of providing access of broadband services to a given geographic area by altering the medium voltage power grid. An evaluation model for Broadband over Power Lines (BPL) emerging technology is proposed, applied to the medium voltage distribution network considered as an access telecommunications network, as seen by the Network Access Provider point of view. The model is based on, a detailed grid structure and topology information data stored in a multi-layered geographic information system. The performed application estimates all costs associated with each type of BPL equipment necessary in order to tranceive the broadband signal from the injection point to the end user, by the means of fixed wireless access points and determines the overall investment required for providing broadband access to the geographic area under service. Finally, in order to present a real-case scenario the proposed model was applied and tested to the electric grid of the Prefecture of Laconia/Greece.