Convergence of Wireless and Optical Network in Future Communication Network

Abstract

The requirement of data increases many-fold in recent years to support the newest technologies in B5G and 6G. Wireless is the last mile solution as access with an optical network as the backbone in future communication systems. Over the years in every new generation, the distance between the base station and the user is decreasing and the optical node is coming closer to the user. There are several technologies like AR/VR, AI, holographic communication, holographic telepresence, etc. are the main candidates in B5G and 6G, which are required high-speed connection with low latency. To support these services, it is almost mandatory that transmit data across the network should be smooth and seamless to provide successful communication. Providing a successful and appropriate wireless link among the users simultaneously to achieve the requirements is becoming more complex, hence challenging. The optical backbone of all wireless access networks requires supporting these user’s requirements, needs to evolve continuously with wireless network evolution. This chapter will study the evolution of both networks to understand their cooperation, alignment, and support.