We propose using power-over-fiber (PoF) in some part of future 5G cellular solutions based on radio access networks considering currently installed front-haul solutions with single mode fiber to optically power communication systems for 5G new radio (NR) data transmission. Simulations addressing design parameters are presented. Radio-over-fiber (RoF) transmission over single mode fiber (SMF) is experimentally implemented and tested for link lengths ranging from 100 m up to 10 km with injected PoF signals up to 2 W. 64QAM, 16QAM and QPSK data traffic of 100 MHz bandwidth are transmitted simultaneously with the PoF signal showing an EVM compliant with 5G NR standard, and up to 0.5 W for 256QAM. EVM of 4.3% is achieved with RF signal of 20 GHz and QPSK modulation format in coexistence with delivering 870 mW of optical power to a photovoltaic cell (PV) after 10 km-long SMF link. Using PoF technology to optically powering remote units and Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions based on RoF links is also discussed.

Potential niches for Power-over-Fiber (PoF) technique can be found in hazardous areas that require controlling unauthorized access to risk areas and integration of multiple sensors, in scenarios avoiding electromagnetic interference, and the presence of ignition factors. This paper develops a PoF system that provides galvanic isolation between two ends of a fiber to remotely power a proximity sensor as a proof of concept of the proposed technology. We analyze scalability issues for remotely powering multiple sensors in a specific application for hazardous environment. The maximum number of remote sensors that can be optically powered and the limiting factors are also studied; considering different types of multimode optical fibers, span lengths and wavelengths. We finally address the fiber mode field diameter effect as a factor that limits the maximum power to be injected into the fiber. This analysis shows the advantages of using Step-index versus Graded-index fibers.

We evaluate the impact of Power-over-Fiber (PoF) technology on the fronthaul of a 5G-NR network with an Analog-Radio-over-Fiber at 25.5 GHz on a 10 km long multicore fiber. The study in this Letter analyzes the bit error rate (BER) performance for different levels of energy transmitted by the PoF system. 133 mW of maximum optical power at reception is demonstrated showing negligible BER impact or data transmission BER improvement in a dedicated and shared scenario.

Power over fiber (PoF) with sleep mode operation in centralized radio access networks (C-RAN) of low power Remote Radio Heads (RRH) helps to reduce power consumption. This proposal includes bundles of single mode optical fibers (SMF) as part of the 5G C-RAN front-haul solution for providing control on power consumption by selectively activating some parts of the RRH. We experimentally demonstrate a PoF system based on 14.43 km of SMF feed by 2.24 W giving 226 mW electrical power at the RRH for control, battery charge, load operation and communication purposes. A bidirectional control channel is integrated in the central office and the RRH for providing the capability of entering in sleep mode operation and to provide information about the status of the battery and sensing elements at RRH. The optical data uplink/downlink operates over separate optical fibers shared by various RRHs and achieves low power consumption below 33 mW with low data rates. The measured PV cells conversion efficiency is above 30%. The RRH has two sleep modes of operation with a minimum power consumption of 5.8 mW.

Smart IoT solutions integrated in power grid stations are important due to their high economic and social value. Power over fiber technology to remotely feeding sensors and control electronics is a good choice in these environments of high electromagnetic interference. A sensing system design for magnetic field monitoring, fire and temperature/presence detection and remotely fed by optical means is discussed. This design includes two types of nodes, smart and passive. Smart remote nodes have an energy manager to provide power on demand. Asymmetric splitting is proposed to optimize power distribution. Some tests on remote node power consumption, feeding, sensing and centralized monitoring in one type of those nodes are successfully performed and reported.