any alternatives to PLC (for home automation)....

standards,

X10?

The absence of a standard doesn't mean a technology is not mature. A standard tends to be the worst mix of all sometimes conflicting proposals. The absence of a standard allows you to select the technology that suits your application most and you don't have to use a standardized one-suits-all solution with the worst possible specifications. As said then, the low data rate solutions are working reliably for slow sensor data. If you need a higher data rate, an ethernet cabling could also make sense. Wireless is just increasing the electronic noise level present in the surrounding and should not be considered for this reason plus that it can be tapped and faked unless care is taken. Forget infrared. It required sight and therefore doesn't pass walls.

Rene

researched

standards,

Have you checked out Linet?

Meindert

Interesting, but pretty expensive for home automation. I'd check out X-10.

Hi Roman,

There was an article in CommsDesign about a new version that combines PLC and wireless. However, I am skeptical until some major manufacturer offers reasonably priced gear with that or their own standard.

Wireless may work in Europe and other places. In America and other countries where homes are wood frame constructed it is not so optimal in all cases. The reason is that outside walls and walls towards the garage are often insulated with fiber that is backed with aluminum foil. A good indicator of the problems is to walk around with a modern 2.4GHz or 5GHz cordless phone. Usually it quits when going outside, into the garage or into a section of the house that angles off the main part.

Regards, Joerg