Powerline Prognostics

To date, my powerline networking coverage has focused on generic data (files, multimedia streaming, etc) transfer applications. However, an Engadget writeup from two months back focused my thinking on one specific data type; system diagnostic information. In this particular implementation, a vacuum cleaner email-alerts its owner to full-bag, clogged-tube and other status states. A washer or dryer, for example, could also send a heads-up at end-of-cycle, to alert the consumer to an imbalanced load, etc.

In retrospect, I don't know why I hadn't thought of this powerline networking facet before; my Buffalo and Infrant NAS units already support such status-reporting capabilities, albeit over more conventional CAT5 networking connections. Of course, in order for it to be feasible, the plethora of incompatible powerline networking technologies currently contending in the marketplace will need to whittle down or, at minimum, comprehend each others' protocols….

What compelling status-reporting capabilities enabled by networking augmentation of the ubiquitous AC outlet connection can you come up with?