In-Band Full-Duplex Relay and Mesh Networking in Broadband Power Line Communications

In-band full-duplex (IBFD) is a highly promising technology in broadband power line communication (BB-PLC) despite the harsh nature of BB-PLC channels. Recent research showed the possibility of improving the bidirectional throughput of point-to-point communication with IBFD implementation by 79-88%. However, peer-to-peer communication with relatively symmetric data rates in both directions has limited applications. Apparently, IBFD can be useful in multiple-node networks where resource sharing, like spectrum and time, is essential. This paper aims to leverage the IBFD advancements to enhance the spectral efficiency in heterogeneous BB-PLC networks, fostering new IBFD PLC applications in Smart Grids. We analyze IBFD potential and limitations for a network with an arbitrary number of nodes covering architecture, signal processing, and resource allocation perspectives. The main challenge is the mitigation of self and mutual interference, for which we propose a solution. Finally, through simulations, we determined the most advantageous part of the spectrum to be used by IBFD-capable nodes.