An Overview of Optical Wireless Communications

We are continuously witnessing the emergence of new data services and applications in wireless transmission systems, in particular mobile broadband services, which require enhancing user’s experience. The existing radio frequency based wireless communications are facing challenges in so far as being able to cope with these varied, sophisticated and bandwidth hungry services and applications. The ever evolving optical wireless communications (OWC) technology with its unique features such as a license-free frequency spectrum, an inherent security, and significantly higher transmission rates is seen as a potential alternative and complementary to the radio frequency based wireless communications, which can address some of these challenges. This technology can be used for short to long distance applications as in indoor visible light communications, ultra-violet, and free space optics. The chapter gives an overview of the OWC system focusing on the historical development and current status, as well as existing and envisioned applications areas.

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