Keynote: Why Optical Wireless Communication is Ready for 6G!

We expect 6G to deliver step-change improvements in energy efficiency, data density, security, aggregate data rates in the region of Tbps and sensing information integration in order to unlock radically new applications in the metaverse. Naturally, this raises the question about �spectrum�. Decades of research in optical wireless communications alongside new optical devices such as single photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) and high-bandwidth solar cells have paved the way for the readiness of this technology for 6G to build more powerful, secure and energy-efficient mobile networks. The optical spectrum already powers our long-haul optical fibre networks. All this has led to a rich set of highly optimised photonic devices that form the basis for new OWC technologies that allow mobile, multiuser Tbps optical wireless networks with data densities in the region of Gbps/m2. Moreover, we show examples of how the specific physical layer security properties of this technology has already led to the commercial adoption of OWC access networks supported by a new IEEE standard, 801.11 bb. Finally, we will discuss existing challenges and the road ahead.