|
Some day in the near future, our houses will be permanently connected to the outside world with a broadband digital-communication channel, carrying TV and video signals, music, radio programs, phone conversations, faxes, emails, Internet data, electronic newspapers, and so on. Gradual evolution will lead to this revolution.
The next logical step of this digital-age home-communications revolution is a permanent Internet connection (at medium bandwidth). Our homes, that today for the most part have their very own phone number, will eventually have a specific IP address (http://john.smith.home.ca). This connection can, for example, use the existing TV-cable wiring infrastructure and will enable the first generation of a whole range of new products and to-our-home services. An electronic notepad installed on the refrigerator door, already available web TV devices, web phones, all these low-cost devices will use the permanent, to-the-home connection. Expect to send and receive e-mail and voice messages, phone conversations, and access new Internet services (local shopping, pizza orders, banking, etc.) via this first-generation network.
The same infrastructure will support security monitoring and burglar and fire protection. Electric, gas, and water utilities will remotely read their respective meters and offer new services to their customers, such as time-of-use rates, energy management services, electronic billing and payment, etc.
Where does PLM-1 technology come onto this scene? PLM-1 is a natural in-home extension of the global to-the-home communications network. PLM-1 readily links to the Internet, today, using existing embedded internet technologies. Electric meters, along with other in-home devices (thermostats, lighting controllers, intelligent appliances, security systems, etc.), will not be equipped with a direct connection to the outside world; because of cost and security reasons; a home gateway (currently in development: see osgi.org) will be used. PLM-1 allows you to build a local "wireless" network, including different devices (utility meters, thermostats, switches and dimmers, HVAC systems, appliances, etc.) and thus an all around HA controller that will extend Internet ubiquity.
Any device connected to the PLM-1 network is accessible from the Internet, through the gateway. PLM-1 is the last segment of a communications network that enables utilities to communicate with their meters, users to remotely access and control house functions, appliance manufacturers to remotely download their latest software options or do remote diagnostics, and HA controllers to implement useful control functions.
PLM-1 is an essential component of the global in-home and to-the-home communications and control network.
|
