Transmission of Wi-Fi Signals on 11 kV Power Transmission Lines—A Laboratory Study

The paper addresses the low internet penetration in rural areas of India by proposing a novel technique to improve signal reach and quality using existing power lines. It highlights the collaborative efforts of the government and private sectors in bridging the digital divide. An innovative approach to extend internet connectivity in rural India by utilizing power lines for transmitting Wi-Fi signals is presented, where standard Wi-Fi signals are transmitted as surface waves through the power lines. A specialized launcher is developed and tested under different field conditions to ensure its reliability in practical scenarios. Additionally, the research investigates the influence of weather conditions on the quality of signal transmission. Based on the findings, the authors have provided recommendations for optimizing the technique and improving signal quality. Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the performance of the proposed technique, identifies challenges related to weather conditions, and suggests avenues for future exploration.