Patent ID: 7764943

Claim:
A system for providing power line communications over a power distribution system including an underground power line and an overhead medium voltage power line and wherein the underground medium voltage power line is connected to the overhead medium voltage power line at a riser pole, comprising: a first and second communication device communicatively coupled to the underground power line at different locations; wherein said first and second communication devices are disposed within different transformer enclosures; a third communication device coupled to the underground power line at the riser pole to communicate with said first communication device via the underground power line; a backhaul communication device comprising a backhaul interface for communicating via a non-power line medium and a power line interface communicatively coupled to the overhead medium voltage power line and to communicate with said third communication device; wherein said backhaul communication device communicates with said third communication device via a path that includes the overhead medium voltage power line and the underground medium voltage power line; and wherein said first communication device is configured to receive communications communicated over the underground medium voltage power line from said third communication device and to transmit said communications over the underground medium voltage power line for reception by said second communication device.