ications Basics," introduces the history and other basics of wireless com- munications. Chapters 14 and 15 discuss all the wireless standards, systems, and options in detail. Chapter 16, "Emerging Wireless Applications," describes the handset revolution and the increasing number of applications driving the need for next-generation wireless technologies. Chapter 12 Broadband Access Alternatives Broadband PLT In an increasingly competitive market for broadband technology, powerline broad- band-often referred to as powerline telecommunications (PLT), broadband over powerlines (BPL), or powerline communication (PLC)-has emerged as a dark- horse technology in a market that is becoming increasingly saturated by DSL and cable modem alternatives. PLT is a wireline technology that uses the current elec- tricity networks for data and voice transmission. It offers a vision that would allow electrical utilities to provide high-speed Internet, voice, data, and video services to customers of all classes via power transmission and distribution lines. The concept of PLT is not new. It came to be in the 1920s, although the appli- cation then was the protection of power transmission lines, as well as telemetry, remote system control, and voice communication. PLT today includes BPL, which infers data rates above 1Mbps, and narrowband over powerlines, which involves much lower data rates. The power company can communicate voice and data by superimposing an analog signal over the standard 50Hz or 60Hz alternating cur- rent (AC). Traditionally, electrical utilities have used low-speed powerline carrier circuits for control of substations, voice communication, and protection of high- voltage transmission lines. However, in the broadband race, high-speed data trans- mission has been developed using the lower-voltage transmission lines used for power distribution. There is also a short-range form of powerline carrier used for intercoms and home automation. There are three distinct applications for powerline communication: Outdoor long-ha