Grid Net Selects Intellon INT6400 HomePlug AV-based Powerline Communications Chipset

Grid Net, a provider of policy-based network management system software and communications reference designs for the utility Smart Grid, has reportedly signed an agreement with Intellon Corporation for using its INT6400 chipset in its advanced communications technology for smart grid electricity meters.

Intellon Corporation is a provider of HomePlug-compatible integrated circuits (ICs) for home networking, networked entertainment, Ethernet-over-Coax (EoC) and smart grid applications. The INT6400 is an advanced IC offered by Intellon. It is said to have the lowest power consumption of any 200 Mbps PHY-rate HomePlug AV-class IC, and supports European 2011 Code of Conduct requirements for adapters and embedded products. The solution delivers higher TCP throughput and user friendly options with improved Quality of Service (QoS).

 

As per the terms of this deal, Intellon’s INT6400 Industrial temperature chipset will offer Home Area Network (HAN) communications capability for new smart meters.

 

“Intellon’s HomePlug AV powerline solutions provide reliable communications from smart meters into home area networks,” said Ray Bell, president of Grid Net.

 

“Most important, interoperability with the emerging IEEE 1901 standard will ensure cost-effective, future-proof smart meter installations.”

 

Grid Net’s technology integrates fourth-generation (4G) WiMAX communications into its Smart Grid solutions and to smart appliances in the home using Intellon’s reliable, standards-based HomePlug AV technology. This technology is stated to enable secure and reliable broadband networking capability to the HAN, and offer the utility and service providers with a new digital point of sale interface to their customers.

 

The Intellon chipset’s extended operating temperature range versions ensure performance for outdoor installations. Broadband networking of such devices allows home owners to monitor energy usage.

 

“Advanced broadband metering solutions are important to the build-out of the U.S. smart grid and we’re pleased to be a part of Grid Net’s smart meter communications solutions,” said Rick Furtney, president and chief operating officer at Intellon Corporation.

 

“Our INT6400 is a third generation HomePlug AV-based solution and the only one with the all-important industrial temperature range vital to supporting smart grid applications.”