Motorola to use electrical systems to provide broadband internet

Motorola has just introduced a multi-unit (MU) building broadband solution, the Powerline MU. It is the latest addition to the company's MOTOwi4 portfolio.

It delivers broadband access through a pervasive, existing network- the building's electrical wiring. In tandem with Motorola's Canopy platform or one of its existing wi4 WiMAX solutions for backhaul, Power MU can provide affordable, always-on Internet connectivity access through standard power outlets.

This solution converts the Ethernet signal to a HomePlug protocol with a Powerline MU Gateway located within the building. The gateway injects the signal directly into a building's electrical system. Users can then connect their computer or router to a Powerline modem that is plugged into a standard electrical outlet to gain access to the Internet.

Powerline MU is scheduled for commercial availabilty during Q4 2006 with initial introduction in North America.

The broadband signal can be provided either through Motorola's Canopy or WiMAX systems, or by other Ethernet-based sources, cables, fiber optics, DSL, T1, E1 or satellite. This can save service providers and their customers time and money by leveraging existing assets.

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