Maxim Integrated Products announced that its G3-PLC(TM) protocol has been approved by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) as a new low-frequency, OFDM-based narrowband powerline communications (NB-PLC) standard. In partnership with Electricite Reseau Distribution France (ERDF) and Sagemcom, Maxim developed the G3-PLC specification to promote open-endedness and interoperability among smart grid implementations. Currently, the G3-PLC is the only NB-PLC standard that supports the IPv6 internet protocol to allow new internet-based energy management systems. The specification also optimizes bandwidth, corrects errors, and provides a higher data rate that supports two-way communication for demand response and other smart grid applications. The result is an increase in the performance reliability of crossing transformers, enabling a dramatic reduction in deployment costs.