Abstract
Optical wireless communication (OWC) is an excellent complementary solution to its radio frequency (RF) counterpart. OWC technologies have been demonstrated to be able to support high traffic generated by massive connectivity of the Internet of Things (IoT) and upcoming 5th generation (5G) wireless communication systems. As the characteristics of OWC and RF are complementary, a combined application is regarded as a promising approach to support 5G and beyond communication systems. Hybrid RF/optical and optical/optical wireless systems offer an excellent solution for recovering the limitations of individual systems as well as for providing positive features of each of the technologies. An RF/optical wireless hybrid system consists both RF and optical-based wireless technologies, whereas an optical/optical wireless hybrid system consists two or more types of OWC technologies. The co-deployment of wireless systems can improve system performance in terms of throughput, reliability, and energy efficiency of individual networks. This study surveys the state of the art and key research directions regarding optical wireless hybrid networks, being the first extensive survey dedicated to this topic. We provide a technology overview of existing literature on optical wireless hybrid networks, such as RF/optical and optical/optical systems. We consider the RF-based macrocell, small cell, wireless fidelity, and Bluetooth, as well as optical-based visible light communication, light fidelity, optical camera communication, and free-space optical communication technologies for different combinations of hybrid systems. Moreover, we consider underwater acoustic communication for hybrid acoustic/optical systems. The opportunities brought by hybrid systems are presented in detail. We outline important challenges that need to be addressed for successful deployment of optical wireless hybrid network systems for 5G and IoT paradigms.
Highlights
T HE MULTIMEDIA applications are increasing exponentially day-by-day, producing a high volume of mobile data that requires high-data-rate wireless connectivity
Because radio frequency (RF) systems cannot fulfill various growing demands of 5th generation (5G) and beyond communication systems, different Optical wireless communication (OWC) technologies have become a prominent part of the wireless communication system
Studies on the remaining challenges related to the application of different hybrid wireless networks are underway
Summary
T HE MULTIMEDIA applications are increasing exponentially day-by-day, producing a high volume of mobile data that requires high-data-rate wireless connectivity. The RF/optical wireless hybrid system consists both RF and optical based wireless technologies, where end users can benefit from the wide coverage area that RF systems ensure and the stable rates that optical wireless systems provide Such networks are practically feasible as RF and OWC systems can coexist without causing interference for each other and can operate in the same environment, such as offices and rooms. We show that a 5G macrocellular base station (MBS) provides a wider coverage area. This study discusses different issues pertaining to various wireless hybrid communication systems comprising OWC networks. The RF/optical wireless hybrid systems and their potentials, trends, and research directions are discussed in TABLE I RELATED SURVEYS/REVIEWS ON OWC AND ASSOCIATED TECHNOLOGIES.
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