Optical Fiber and PLC Access Technologies

Optical fiber‐based technologies and Power Line Communication (PLC) are the most relevant access wireline fixed‐network solutions for the Smart Grid. This chapter elaborates on Passive Optical Network (PON) and PLC technologies, covering the most relevant systems in each of them. PONs are intrinsically different from active optical networks, and electrical power is only required at the transmit and receive points, easing the rollout. PLC technologies are a unique set of technologies that use the power system cables for telecommunication purposes. PLC is undoubtedly recognized as an enabler of the Smart Grid. Broadband‐PLC technologies make use of the spectrum starting at 1.8MHz and offer a higher transmission data rate that comes at the expense of a higher attenuation that limits coverage. Optical fiber allows electric isolation in substations and electricity‐related premises in general, and PLC technology is by default available in Smart Grids.