Free-Space Optical Communications for 6G Wireless Networks: Challenges, Opportunities, and Prototype Validation

Numerous researchers have studied innovations in future sixth-generation (6G) wireless communications. Indeed, a critical issue that has emerged is to contend with society's insatiable demand for high data rates and massive 6G connectivity. Some scholars consider one innovation be break-through-the application of free-space optical (FSO) communication. Owing its exceedingly carrier frequency/bandwidth the potential unlicensed spectrum domain, FSO communication provides an excellent opportunity develop ultrafast links can applied variety applications, including heterogeneous networks enormous connectivity backhauls cellular systems. In this study, we perform video signal transmissions via FPGA-based prototype investigate feasibility link distance up 20 km. We use channel emulator reliably model turbulence, scintillation, power attenuation long-range channel. real-time SDR process transmitted received signals. Our study also presents channel-generation given long-distance link. To enhance quality, apply spatial selective filtering suppress background noise generated by sun-light. measure misalignment transceiver, sampling-based pointing, acquisition, tracking compensate it improving signal-to-noise ratio. For main transmission testbed, various environments changing amount turbulence wind speed. demonstrate testbed even permits successful ultra-high-definition (UHD: 3840 × 2160 resolution) 60 fps videos under severe speeds.