Security issues of Power line Communications

Abstract

This paper provides discussion of security issues for power line communications (PLC) networks and we put forth several security requirements needed for that network. Security is a major issue for the deployment of local area networks in companies, where the development of IP telephony applications is sustained. In such a background, it is essential to have reliable security mechanisms to avoid unauthorized listening to communications. This power line communications represents an exceptionally promising alternative for high-speed Internet access and data networking. The communications medium has been well studies and standardization of the technologies are undergoing. The home network based on power line communication has been used widely however security of PLC has not been discussed sufficiently and not well studies and there is an urgent need for that. Though PLC uses power line as medium it has similar characterizes with wireless communications in the view of security. The authentication and cryptographic scheme used in PLC standard are discussed. Also the usage of Intrusion Detection system (IDS) for PLC is discussed.