Computer Systems Technology professor Dr. Qing-An Zeng has found a cost effective and energy conservative way to enhance data services from providers to subscribers.
The most common solutions to connecting subscribers with internet services are to use cable as the signal travel media or wireless connections. While use of cables is reliable, it can be expensive and lack necessary access points. Wireless connections are relatively unreliable and tend to weaken with distance. Zeng has researched a cheaper way to deliver high speed connections that offer ample access points – power line communication (PLC).
“The advantage of this is you don’t need to install any new wires or cables. You don’t need any additional construction,” Zeng said.
Since 2006, Zeng has been working on PLC protocols. In February, he received a grant from the Future Renewable Electric Energy Deliver and Management (FREEDM) Systems Center at North Carolina State University to continue his research.
His project was to design and develop an access/communication protocol using power lines as a medium for data communications.
“The first project was point to point communication,” he said. “Next we’ll work on the data gateway to control multiple devices.”
In August, Zeng received an additional grant to continue his research. He is now working on software and hardware to build an entire data center. Working with PLC in data communications can utilize smart energy.
“This research can help manage energy consumption,” Zeng said. “Each of us can’t go a day without wasting energy. This research will help us manage our current energy and use it more efficiently.”
Zeng has been a professor at North Carolina A&T State University for more than two years. Prior to that, he spent 10 years at the University of Cincinnati and 10 years in the information technology industry.
He has presented at multiple conferences, published papers, authored more than 100 text book chapters and a text book, “Introduction to Wireless and Mobile Systems.”
