Two Decades of Research Progress in Resource Allocation for PLC Systems: From Core Concepts to Frontiers

In this paper, we review the current state-of-the-art of resource allocation for power line communication systems. The study systematically presents the advancements achieved in this field over the past decades. To achieve this, we adopt two complementary perspectives: a power line communication-centric view and an optimization-centric view. The former highlights resource allocation within the eye of the power line communication community, while the latter emphasizes optimization principles, focusing on the technical aspects of resource allocation. Subsequently, we meticulously present the progress made in both single- and multi-user scenarios, employing a chronological approach to provide readers with a coherent narrative of the evolution and important findings. Furthermore, we accentuate critical insights and valuable lessons gathered from these developments. In conclusion, we explore future trends and prospects within the scope of resource allocation for power line communication systems, intending to inspire research initiatives that push the boundaries beyond the existing state-of-the-art.