•——I see. Because the number of equipments connected becomes huge, individual energy usage becomes important; there in lies the advantages of HD-PLC?

Kobayashi: I'd like to add that another advantage of HD-PLC is the easy set up of the security settings. Wireless LANs in particular, depending on the product type, may have security settings, sometimes requiring set up from a PC, making it complicated for non-technical users. As you can see, if technical knowledge and operation are necessary, there will be users that cannot use the convenient network-ready home appliances. This means that the possibilities that an ubiquitous society hold may not become a reality.

For example, the adaptor starter kit that comes in a pair of two already have security settings in place, making it ready for immediate use. When adding PLC adaptors, security settings for data exchanged between equipments can be set up with a click of a button. Because it is not wireless, it can protect data from invalid access from the outside. You can say that the easy-to-use feature allows more people to benefit from the ubiquitous society.

Naturally, we do not think that HD-PLC can replace wireless LANs completely. There are equipments that are better suited for wireless LAN, such as handheld game systems. There actually are manufacturers that are developing equipment that have both HD-PLC and wireless LAN inside. HD-PLC, while co-existing with wireless LANs, is a powerful tool which will open up the gateway to the network.

Benefits of HD-PLC spread throughout society

•——If PCs become unnecessary to connect to the network, will there be new ways to use HD-PLC?

Kobayashi: That is correct.　New ways to use HD-PLC seem the most promising on airplanes and automobiles. Because inside the cabins and in cars, the wires are already in place, a network environment can be easily set up by using HD-PLC.

Making network environments on airplanes and in cars more compact will contribute to making them lighter in load. There is a possibility that HD-PLC can bundle all the cables used in airplanes and in cars for music and movies into one electrical wire. By making airplanes and cars lighter, they will become more fuel efficient, making them environmentally friendly modes of transportation. HD-PLC does not stop inside the home or office, but in many areas of society, can set up networks delivering convenience while protecting the environment at the same time. This is what we mean by HD-PLC can contribute in realizing a ‘Green Ubiquitous’ society. HD-PLC Alliance wants to work with manufacturers and vendors so they can collaborate across borders, providing more value-added features to users.

As you can see, HD-PLC will not just contribute to saving energy and resources, but will continue pursuing new possibilities, in areas such as making electricity ‘visible’ and electricity control.

• HD-PLC has possibilities in expanding the network society beyond home appliances - it can connect buildings and modes of transportation. HD-PLC module is held up by two fingers shown above; it a chip that is the heart of HD-PLC