Optical Communications and Modulation Techniques in 5G

Abstract

Wired and wireless communication technologies are widely leveraged for bilateral communications between the utility and end user in smart grid environments. With mobile technologies evolving, optical communications are projected to play an essential role in emerging fifth-generation (5G) networks. In this chapter, we first introduce fiber-optic communications and briefly address optical attenuation, dispersion, and nonlinear effects for a variety of modulation devices in present and future fiber-optic transmission and multiplexing technologies. Second, the development of optical wireless communications is introduced, including free-space optical communication and visible-light communication (VLC) systems. Third, waveform designs and modulation techniques in 5G for the smart grid are addressed, including amplitude shift keying (ASK), differential phase shift keying (DPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), multiple quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM), polarization shift keying (PolSK), plus other digital modulation and pulse modulation formats, as well as coding technologies. Finally, an overview of the prospects is given for future development, application fields, and socioeconomic influence.