Abstract

The increasing proliferation of internet-connected devices and the widespread reliance on wireless communication in daily activities are limiting the capabilities of the radio frequency (RF) spectrum to meet data traffic demands. The rise in connectivity requirements to realize sixth generation (6G) networks, coupled with the growth in utilization of artificial intelligence and its associated transmission of massive amounts of data, are contributing to the need to leverage the optical spectrum to complement the already congested RF bands. In general, optical wireless connectivity encompasses a range of solutions that can support data transfer in various outdoor and indoor use cases, benefiting from advantages in terms of operation within a broad unlicensed spectrum, minimization of RF interference, and inherent security. On the other hand, optical wireless communication (OWC) systems might experience a decline in performance as a result of factors like atmospheric conditions and link blockage. This requires customizing system designs according to the considered use cases and investigating new solutions for realizing optical wireless connectivity. In this article, we present an overview of OWC, encompassing both its conceptual frameworks and the scientific and technological advancements that hold potential for shaping its future in 6G networks and beyond.