A power line communication (PLC) bridge circuit consistent with certain
embodiments has a first coupler that couples data signals to and from the
first power line circuit and a second coupler that couples data signals
to and from the second power line circuit. The first and second power
line circuits are fed AC power from separate legs of a distribution
transformer, and share a single neutral connection. A first communication
transceiver is connected to the first coupler for transferring data
signals to and from the first coupler. A second communication transceiver
is connected to the second coupler for transferring data signals to and
from the second coupler. A controller examines data signals from the
first transceiver and determines if the data is destined for the second
transceiver, wherein data that is not destined for the second transceiver
is considered local data. The controller further examines data signals
from the second transceiver and determines if the data is destined for
the first transceiver, wherein data that is not destined for the first
transceiver is also considered local data. A bridge circuit passes data
signals between the first communication transceiver and the second
transceiver when the controller determines that the data is not local,
and does not pass data signals between the first communication
transceiver and the second communication transceiver when the controller
determines that the data is local. This abstract is not to be considered
limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described
in this abstract.