Getting broadband connectivity throughout a house can often be done with a simple WiFi router and some adapters for computers and other gear. In many instances, that WiFi router doesn't cut it though, especially in larger homes or offices or in environments where there is a lot of wireless interference. In this instanced power line, networking may be one of the only options.

Power line networking speeds today tend to top out at about 200mbps on the high end. That is enough speed for some uses, but for things that need a lot of bandwidth, more speed is needed. The IEEE has now approved a new power line networking standard called IEEE 1901 that allows for speeds of up to 500Mbps using the plain copper power lines already in place.

The new spec will work on any AC power line with any voltage at transmission frequencies of less than 100MHz. The new specification can be used for LAN connectivity for things like gaming consoles and set-top boxes. It can also be used to provide connectivity for enterprise uses and for smart energy and other needs. The specification has first mile and last mile systems that are good for up to 1500m.