Full-Duplex Power Line Communications: Design and Applications from Multimedia to Smart Grid

PLC superimposes high-frequency data signals ranging from a few hundred Hertz to hundreds of megahertz over the low-frequency electrical power carriers to reuse the existing power lines for communication purposes. Across various indoor and outdoor PLC application scenarios, the electromagnetic compatibility restrictions and the low-pass nature of power line channels restrict the data rate gains that can be furthered by conventional means of increasing power and/ or bandwidth. In this article, we provide an overview of IBFD operation as a means to improve PLC under these constraints, by potentially doubling the spectral efficiency through simultaneous signal transmission and reception in the same frequency band and over the same power line. We summarize the recent advancements in IBFD solutions for both narrowband and broadband PLC and contrast the design considerations to those in existing IBFD methods in other communications systems. We also highlight the benefits of IBFD operation to PLC networks in easing PLC network congestion, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility of PLC across application scenarios, and obtaining added insights in the context of smartgrid monitoring and security using simultaneous bidirectional communication.