Application Areas of Optical Wireless Communication Technologies in 5G, 6G and Internet Of Things: Expectations, Directions, and Threats

Abstract

Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) systems are indispensable in the actualization of the expected 5G and 6G wireless communication systems. The significant issues concerning the quality of service of 5G and 6G communication systems are high capacity, high security, high quality of experience, low-energy consumption, low latency, massive connectivity, reliable and effective connectivity. 6G in comparison to 5G communication will offer better performance in regards to the stated performance metrics It is very important to emphasize that the Internet of Things (IoT) based on internet data is an integral part of 5G and beyond. This review is a presentation of how OWC technologies, such as free-space optics communication(FSO), infrared light communication(IRC), light fidelity(LiFi), optical camera communication(OCC), and visible light communication(VLC) will be an effective solution for the successful deployment of 5G, 6G, and IoT systems with inherent challenges of supporting the extensive varieties of heterogeneous traffic and in satisfying the mentioned quality of service-related performance metrics