NEC's Tom Sykes says the difference between this broadband over powerline solution to Home Plugs or similar devices, is that there is an extra unit which is hooked up to the power mains. The one unit can provide broadband over power at 200MB/sec to approximately 64 homes.

The benefits of this solution over DSL, says Sykes, is that people can plug it in anywhere, and it's quick to connect. While it does have a home application, Sykes also sees the product as ideal for use at trade shows or similar events, where people need to hook up several devices, but don't want the metres of Ethernet cabling lying around.

In the home application, however, there will also be benefits for power companies, Sykes says, as they will even be able to use the system to check the electric meter remotely.

"I think this will be a main driver for the technology," he said.

The solution is currently being trialled in Australia, and NEC forecasts it to be more widely available within 12 – 18 months. It is not a solution for new estates, Sykes says, as there are fibre solutions for those houses. The roll out is aimed at existing estates only.

See: www.nec.com.au