Via blessings from the International Telecommunications Union, Maxim Integrated Products’ G3-PLC protocol takes position as the worldwide smart grid standard. A low-frequency, OFDM-based narrowband powerline communications standard, the G3-PLC spec will hopefully promote open-endedness and interoperability among smart grid deployments. Currently, the G3-PLC is the only NB-PLC standard that supports the IPv6 internet protocol to admit emerging internet-based energy management systems. It also optimizes bandwidth, corrects errors, and provides a higher data rate that supports two-way communication for demand response. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.