In article , Robert Casey
writes:

Wi-Fi "nodes" need the same cable or
fiber optic feeds as BPL does but then the costs of implementation go
'way down below the costs of implementing BPL. BPL is a hard-wired
very localized system with toxic side effects. A single Wi-Fi node can
serve dozens of users simultaneously over some pretty big areas
without any wires. Huge pluses vs. BPL.

I think we are in agreement. The costs of the feed would be the
same, the costs of the "modems" would be similar.

Maybe. A BPL modem has to be across the AC line, which brings in a whole bunch
of safety issues.

The big difference
is that Wi-Fi should be able to handle much more bandwidth in the part
between the individual Wi-Fi "modems" than the part between BPL
"modems". Both use either the existing slice of radio spectra
(somewhere up in the microwave bands) or existing power wires.
But that would leave out laptops running off batteries (unless
BPL fesses up to being a radiator and that laptop actually
transmits a signal thru an antenna to be picked up by leaky
nearby power wires being fed by a BPL system, and visa versa.
Then the entire camel gets into the tent...).

Then it's not incidental radiation anymore, but intentional.

Another big difference is that a Wi-Fi modem bought here in EPA today can be
used all over the country if I sign up with the right provider. A BPL modem for
a particular system doesn't work on BPL systems by other companies.

Wi-Fi is already "on the shelf" vs BPL which would have to
charge more to pay off the development costs, or the providers
would have to front a huge investment that may never pay off.

Most of this country's major airports have Wi-Fi nodes ("hot spots").
Drop into yer seat in the podium areas, fire up the laptop and catch
up with your e-mail or whatever. Sixty bucks for the modem and yer
online. And they're already on the shelf and in use. Ditto the
Starbucks stores, truck stops, etc.

It doesn't take much of a stretch to imagine that the basic technology
can be deployed over huge swaths of users at low installation costs.
One inexpensive little black box up a pole per block or on cell phone
towers in urban and suburban neighborhoods, etc.

Supposedly one inexpensive BPL box on a neighborhood power pole is
the equivalent. And every user needs a BPL "modem" as well. These
would cost about the same as Wi-Fi and offer inferior service.

Depends on the system. And the BPL injectors and extractors have to be
insulated to stand the MV distribution voltages. And the power line has to be
clean enough not to interfere with BPL signals.

73 de Jim, N2EY