Even if it is implemented, it's doubtful it would be wide spread. The amount
of equipment necessary just to keep the signal from degrading means that it
will only be available in high population density areas. It won't be cost
effective out in the sticks.

"Philip Campbell" wrote in message
...
I listened to the Coast-to-Coastam show last nite with Jim Haynie and Joe
Walsh. Very interesting. I am not a ham, but am new to the world of swl. I
would like to someday explore the ham world. I am a data network engineer
and have worked in the Information Technology field for over 20 years as a
computer operator, programmer and network engineer. Here is an observation
that I have, should BPL come to fruition.

If BPL is implemented, what this essentially means is that BPL will make
current PC's network connections, from laptops to desktops, and anything
that currently uses a standard Ethernet connection obsolete. At the
network
interface, the wall-socket in your home, an entirely new device will be
required to use BPL. Basically, BPL will essentially multiplex data
signals
over existing AC power lines. This will require an entirely new class of
devices to decode the data portion of the signal from existing AC power
lines into a data signal useable by a PC. Say goodbye to all existing
10BaseT NIC's, to name only one type, being the most widely used. All of
the
two-prong faceplates in each and every home will not be replaced, one of
the
so-called benefits of BPL. So how will data be decoded from the AC power
lines? Of course this is possible, but the question I am posing is, what
new
devices will be required between your existing PC(or any currently
networked
device for that matter) and the wall outlet? How much will it cost to
"refit" an existing networked PC that currently uses an RJ-45 type
connector(or whatever)? What companies stand to gain from this new device?

BPL is not only unworkable and unacceptable from the standpoint of ham
radio
and the very useful role ham operators fulfill in times of emergency, not
to
mention the myriad of other High Frequency communications in use today,
but
if BPL is implemented, this will only make network computing and Internet
computing more expensive. Maybe this is what the corporate interests want?

On the other hand, since this BPL would require an entirely new device,
This
could be a real revenue generator for a flat PC market. Think about it.

Another observation. When you build a data network in the business world,
which I have done, you want to build in resiliency, which(among other
things) means no single points of failure! If BPL is implemented, it would
become a single point of failure for AC power supply as well as Internet
connectivity, be it from terrorist attacks, black-outs, brown-outs or
natural disaster.

Just some thoughts.

"RP Jones" wrote in message
...
ARRL's Jim Haynie and Joe Walsh on Coast to Coast tonight

http://www.coasttocoastam.com