Introduction to Wireless Powered Communication Network

Abstract

Wireless power transfer (WPT) plays a critical role in relaxing concerns related to limited operational lifetime of wireless networks. Different from traditional network devices, which rely on batteries for their energy need, devices in wireless powered communication networks (WPCNs) are able to scavenge energy from radio-frequency (RF) signals. As such, it eliminates the burden of battery recharging and/or replacement and hence provides networks with theoretically perpetual lifespans. However, due to the dramatic growth of wireless data traffic and the rapid movement towards the so-called Internet of Things (IoT), WPCNs are facing security and throughput challenges in which the traditional mechanisms are not sufficient to satisfy the user requirements. Its network performance is therefore compromised. In this chapter, we first provide an overview of the WPCNs by introducing the background of WPT, followed by a summary of the research conducted in the field. We then describe the physical-layer security (PLS) problem in WPCNs, including the causes and the impacts of the problem on the performance of WPCNs. At last, we close this chapter by discussing the applications of WPCNs in the IoT.