Fault detection and power network quality monitoring are performed for a power
line network using power line communications ("PLC") signal transceiving and data
processing capabilities. Power line signals are continuously received and processed
to obtain signal data representative of power line network operating conditions
that are expressed in the received power line signals. The harmonic content and
noise signature of the signal data are evaluated with reference to known fault
signature data and power line network topology properties for detecting and identifying
the location of an existing or anticipated fault in the power line network and
assessing power transmission quality of the network.
