Broadband's Powerful Future

Previously, if you wanted a broadband internet connection, you either plug your computer into a DSL modem from your phone company or into a cable modem from your cable TV network. But in the future it's increasingly possible that you'll plug your computer into a receptacle it's already using: the power outlet.

That's right! Since a wire already runs into your house to carry power, why not use it to carry data as well? That is what an increasing number of people are doing, using a technology called Broadband over powerline (BPL).

Using transmission protocols designed to co-exist with power on the line, the signal is injected into the distribution wire runs into a neighborhood. At the transformer where the line connects to a subscriber, the signal is routed around the transformer into a line leading to the house.

Inside the house, the user plugs into any power outlet, then plugs an Ethernet cable into the adapter. The result-an Internet connection!

-livescience.com