Optical Wireless Communications: Enabling the Next Generation Network of Networks

Krishnamoorthy A, Safi H, Younus O, Kazemi H, Osahon IN, Liu M, Liu Y, Babadi S, Ahmad R, Ihsan A, Majlesein B, Huang Y, Herrnsdorf J, Rajbhandari S, McKendry JJ, Tavakkolnia I, Caglayan H, Helmers H, Turnbull G, Samuel ID, Dawson MD, Schober R, Haas H (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

Ieee Vehicular Technology Magazine Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

DOI: 10.1109/MVT.2025.3555366

Abstract

Optical wireless communication (OWC) is a promising technology anticipated to play a key role in the next-generation network of networks (NoNs), especially as a complementary technology to traditional radio-frequency (RF) communications, for enhancing networking capabilities beyond conventional terrestrial networks. OWC is already a mature technology with diverse usage scenarios and can enable integrated applications via wireless access and backhaul networks, dynamic drone and satellite networks, underwater networks, inter- and intrasystem interconnecting networks, and vehicular communication networks. Furthermore, novel and emerging technological opportunities such as photovoltaic cells, orbital angular momentum-based modulation, optical reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, organic light-emitting and photo diodes, and recent advances in ultraviolet communications can help to enhance future OWC capabilities even further. Moreover, OWC networks can also support value-added services such as enhanced positioning and gesture recognition. Hence, OWC provides unique functionalities that can play a crucial role in building convergent and resilient future NoNs alongside RF and optical fiber technologies.

Authors with CRIS profile

Robert Schober Lehrstuhl für Digitale Übertragung (IDC)

Involved external institutions

University of Cambridge GB United Kingdom (GB) Tongji University / 同济大学 CN China (CN) University of Strathclyde GB United Kingdom (GB) University of Tampere (UTA) / Tampereen yliopisto (Tay) FI Finland (FI) Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme (ISE) / Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems DE Germany (DE) University of St Andrews GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Krishnamoorthy, A., Safi, H., Younus, O., Kazemi, H., Osahon, I.N., Liu, M.,... Haas, H. (2025). Optical Wireless Communications: Enabling the Next Generation Network of Networks. Ieee Vehicular Technology Magazine. https://doi.org/10.1109/MVT.2025.3555366

MLA:

Krishnamoorthy, Aravindh, et al. "Optical Wireless Communications: Enabling the Next Generation Network of Networks." Ieee Vehicular Technology Magazine (2025).

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