Optical Wireless Communication: applications, challenges, and competition

Unlike RF-based wireless communication which suffers from a limited regulated RF spectrum, OWC (Optical Wireless Communication) provides a wide spectrum and supports high data rates, low latency, and high security. Hence, optical links offer a very competitive alternative and sometimes complementary solution for many RF-based wireless applications such as 5G/6G cellular networks and IoT. This talk will take a look at different OWC technologies mainly VLC (Visible Light Communication), LiFi (Light Fidelity), OCC (Optical Camera Communication) and FSO (Free Space Optics). Limitations and challenges in deploying these technologies are discussed and will set the stage for the succeeding talks.