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Nikkei Network

August 2006 Issue

FEATURE 1 Protecting Networks from Lightning From the mechanism of damages to methods of protection - Lightning is a serious threat to networks. Home and company networks are connected to the outdoor perimeter through various devices such as communication cables, power supply equipment, and antennas. Easy to enter and leave, networks make an easy target of lightning. When a lightning bolt strikes near your house or company, network equipment can be damaged by the passage of an electric current that enters via any of the abovementioned devices. This article helps you learn how lightning causes damage and offers some effective measures that can be taken against lightning strikes. Part 1: Mechanism - A powerful electric current of more than 10,000 volts enters networks by finding loopholes Part 2: Taking protective measures quickly - Earthing systems and guards against lightning should be used to stop the flow of electric current caused by lightning - The electric power supply must be backed up by an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) in case a power failure occurs Part 3: Protecting an entire house or building - A surge current can be prevented from entering a house or building by eliminating the electric potential difference through an adjustment of voltages to the same level at shared ground connections

BEGINNERS’ QUESTIONS

How Are Undersea Cables Laid?

FEATURE 2

Knowing the Trends, Principles, and Problems
What is PLC?

- PLC (Power Line Communication) is a communication technology that makes it possible to transmit data through electricity cables (electric power lines). Although the use of PLC has previously been restricted by law, the regulations are going to be relaxed this fall, and a number of PLC products that provide high-speed connection capability are expected to debut.
This article examines the whole picture surrounding PLC by clarifying its principles and problems as well as its application and the latest trends.


Prologue
- The merits of transmitting data through power lines lie in user-friendliness

Part 1
- A thorough examination of PLC-based communications
Let’s look at what is actually going on inside a PLC modem

Part 2
- Electromagnetic waves that leak from power lines present a problem because they interfere with wireless communications