Research project NExtSTeP: Live cable monitoring using broadband powerline communication

The physical condition of low-voltage cables has so far remained largely unmonitored during operation. In particular, practical, continuously operating methods for preventive maintenance and condition assessment are still lacking. At the same time, many distribution networks already use broadband powerline communication (BPL), whose signals are influenced by the condition of the cables.

NExt STeP is the first to purposefully use this existing infrastructure for condition diagnostics. The goal is to draw conclusions about aging, thermal stress, or structural defects from changes in channel properties such as attenuation or noise behavior.