US Patent 10992343 Guided electromagnetic wave communications via an underground cable

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a communication system includes a transmitter configured to generate a first communication signal conveying data. A first coupler is configured to generate first guided electromagnetic waves in response to the first communication signal, wherein the first guided electromagnetic waves are guided by an external surface of a metallic shield of a underground power cable and propagate, without requiring any electrical return path, via a wave mode having a majority of field strength within the protective jacket of the underground power cable.