1 Scope
Recommendation ITU-T G.9903 contains the physical layer (PHY) and data link layer (DLL)
specification for the G3-PLC narrowband orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)
power line communication transceivers for communications via alternating current and direct
current electric power lines over frequencies below 500 kHz. This Recommendation supports
indoor and outdoor communications over low-voltage lines, medium-voltage lines, through
transformer low-voltage to medium-voltage and through transformer medium-voltage to low-
voltage power lines in both urban and long distance rural communications. This Recommendation
addresses grid to utility meter applications, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), and other
'Smart Grid' applications such as the charging of electric vehicles, home automation and home area
networking (HAN) communications scenarios.
This Recommendation does not contain the control parameters that determine spectral content,
power spectral density (PSD) mask requirements and the set of tools to support a reduction of the
transmit PSD; all of which are detailed in Recommendation ITU-T G.9901.
The ITU-T would like to acknowledge the IEEE Std 1901.2(TM)-2013 for the information related
to some features that are specified in this Recommendation (ADMI, AC phase detection, and some
aspects of Reed-Solomon encoding and full block interleaving) [b-IEEE 1901.2-2013].
2 References
The following ITU-T Recommendations and other references contain provisions which, through
reference in this text, constitute provisions of this Recommendation. At the time of publication, the
editions indicated were valid. All Recommendations and other references are subject to revision;
users of this Recommendation are therefore encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the
most recent edition of the Recommendations and other references listed below. A list of the
currently valid ITU-T Recommendations is regularly published. The reference to a document within
this Recommendation does not give it, as a stand-alone document, the status of a Recommendation.
[ITU-T G.9901] Recommendation ITU-T G.9901 (2014), Narrowband orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing power line communication transceivers – Power spectral
density specification.
[ITU-T G.9905] Recommendation ITU-T G.9905 (2013), Centralized metric-based source
routing.
[ARIB STD-T84] ARIB STD-T84, Power Line Communication Equipment (10kHz – 450kHz).
[IEEE 802-2001] IEEE Std 802-2001 (R2007), IEEE Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area
Networks. Overview and Architecture.
[IEEE 802.2] IEEE 802.2:1998, Information technology – Telecommunications and
information exchange between systems – Local and metropolitan area
networks – Specific requirements – Part 2: Logical Link Control.
[IEEE 802.15.4] IEEE 802.15.4:2006, IEEE Standard for Information technology –
Telecommunications and information exchange between systems – Local and
metropolitan area networks – Specific requirements – Part 15.4: Wireless
Medium Access (MAC) and Physical Layer (PHY) Specifications for Low-Rate
Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs).
