Optical wireless hybrid networks for 5G and beyond communications

TL;DR

This paper explores the integration of optical wireless and RF technologies in hybrid networks to enhance 5G and beyond communication systems, focusing on opportunities and future research directions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of hybrid optical wireless and RF networks for 5G, highlighting potential benefits and outlining key research challenges.

Findings

Hybrid networks can improve coverage and capacity.

Optical wireless adds high-speed, low-latency links.

Research directions include interoperability and resource management.

Abstract

The next 5 th generation (5G) and above ultra-high speed, ultra-low latency, and extremely high reliable communication systems will consist of heterogeneous networks. These heterogeneous networks will consist not only radio frequency (RF) based systems but also optical wireless based systems. Hybrid architectures among different networks is an excellent approach for achieving the required level of service quality. In this paper, we provide the opportunities bring by hybrid systems considering RF as well as optical wireless based communication technologies. We also discuss about the key research direction of hybrid network systems.