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G.hn on Track for 2010 Silicon as United Nations ITU-T Ratifies Final Component of Next-Generation Wired Networking Standard
Smart Grid Profile Also Advanced Extending Technology for Use in Plug-In Electric Vehicles, Home Energy Management
| Source: HomeGrid Forum
BEAVERTON, OR--(Marketwire - January 25, 2010) - HomeGrid Forum today announced
that the next-generation wired
networking standard -- G.hn
-- achieved two new milestones at the most recent meeting of the United
Nation's International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) held in Geneva. At
the meeting, the Data Link Layer (DLL) achieved Consent joining the
Physical Layer and coexistence protocol to essentially complete the
standard, enabling manufacturers to rapidly bring production semiconductors
to market. In addition, the Smart Grid profile was advanced by the ITU
specifically for use in low-complexity applications, including home control
and automotive, where G.hn can now be used in plug-in electric vehicles.
"It's exciting to see how rapidly the G.hn standard has evolved to meet the
needs of a very dynamic market," said Matthew Theall, president of HomeGrid
Forum. "G.hn was originally seen as a multimedia networking technology, and
was developed to address that significant market opportunity. Now, thanks
to cooperation from throughout the industry, and from ITU and HomeGrid
member companies, G.hn is able to address an even broader range of
applications and has the potential to enable billions of consumer devices,
computers, energy management products, and even automobiles with
next-generation connectivity."
The G.hn standard is designed to deliver a unified technology for wired
networking that addresses key issues of service providers, electronics
manufacturers, utilities, auto makers, and consumers alike. With the
Physical Layer, DLL and coexistence protocols essentially complete, G.hn
will unify the networking of content and devices over any of wire -- phone
line, power line and coax cable. With G.hn, service providers will be able
to deploy new offerings, including IPTV, more cost effectively. Consumer
electronics manufacturers will be able to provide powerful devices for
connecting all types of entertainment, home automation, and security
products throughout the house. Smart Grid devices such as electricity
meters, heating and air conditioning systems, electrical appliances, and
lighting systems will benefit from the reliability, security and low-power
consumption provided by the G.hn standard.
G.hn Profile for Smart Grid Applications including Plug-in Electric
Vehicles
At the ITU-T Valencia meeting held in November 2009, the G.hn workgroup
further refined the definition of a Smart Grid profile targeted at
applications including plug-in electric vehicles and home control. This
low-complexity profile identifies a minimum set of G.hn parameters and
specifications for applications including automobiles and home control.
This profile makes it possible for manufacturers to develop products that
deliver the low-power consumption, low cost, performance, reliability, and
security that is required for the targeted applications. The profile
specifies minimum requirements for features including: signal bandwidth,
data modulation methods, transmitter linearity requirements, and Forward
Error Correction (FEC), while maintaining interoperability with
fully-featured G.hn products.
About ITU
ITU is the leading United Nations agency for information and communication
technology issues, and the global focal point for governments and the
private sector in developing networks and services. For more than 140
years, ITU has coordinated shared global use of the radio spectrum,
promoted international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, worked to
improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and
established the worldwide standards that assure seamless interconnection of
a vast range of communications systems.
ITU also organizes worldwide and regional exhibitions and forums bringing
together the most influential representatives of government and the
telecommunications industry to exchange ideas, knowledge and technology for
the benefit of the global community, and in particular the developing
world.
From broadband Internet to latest-generation wireless technologies, from
aeronautical and maritime navigation to radio astronomy and satellite-based
meteorology, from phone and fax services to TV broadcasting and
next-generation networks, ITU is committed to connecting the world.
About HomeGrid Forum
HomeGrid Forum is a global, non-profit trade group promoting the
International Telecommunication Union's G.hn standardization efforts for
next-generation home networking. HomeGrid Forum promotes adoption of G.hn
through technical and marketing efforts, addresses certification and
interoperability of G.hn-compliant products, and cooperates with
complementary industry alliances. To learn more about becoming a HomeGrid
member, please visit www.HomeGridForum.org/join.