802 research outputs found
Harnessing the Potential of Optical Communications for the Metaverse
The Metaverse is a digital world that offers an immersive virtual experience.
However, the Metaverse applications are bandwidth-hungry and delay-sensitive
that require ultrahigh data rates, ultra-low latency, and hyper-intensive
computation. To cater for these requirements, optical communication arises as a
key pillar in bringing this paradigm into reality. We highlight in this paper
the potential of optical communications in the Metaverse. First, we set forth
Metaverse requirements in terms of capacity and latency; then, we introduce
ultra-high data rates requirements for various Metaverse experiences. Then, we
put forward the potential of optical communications to achieve these data rate
requirements in backbone, backhaul, fronthaul, and access segments. Both
optical fiber and optical wireless communication (OWC) technologies, as well as
their current and future expected data rates, are detailed. In addition, we
propose a comprehensive set of configurations, connectivity, and equipment
necessary for an immersive Metaverse experience. Finally, we identify a set of
key enablers and research directions such as analog neuromorphic optical
computing, optical intelligent reflective surfaces (IRS), hollow core fiber
(HCF), and terahertz (THz)
6G Enabled Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Society: Opportunities, Challenges, and Research Roadmap
The 5G wireless communication network is currently faced with the challenge of limited data speed exacerbated by the proliferation of billions of data-intensive applications. To address this problem, researchers are developing cutting-edge technologies for the envisioned 6G wireless communication standards to satisfy the escalating wireless services demands. Though some of the candidate technologies in the 5G standards will apply to 6G wireless networks, key disruptive technologies that will guarantee the desired quality of physical experience to achieve ubiquitous wireless connectivity are expected in 6G. This article first provides a foundational background on the evolution of different wireless communication standards to have a proper insight into the vision and requirements of 6G. Second, we provide a panoramic view of the enabling technologies proposed to facilitate 6G and introduce emerging 6G applications such as multi-sensory–extended reality, digital replica, and more. Next, the technology-driven challenges, social, psychological, health and commercialization issues posed to actualizing 6G, and the probable solutions to tackle these challenges are discussed extensively. Additionally, we present new use cases of the 6G technology in agriculture, education, media and entertainment, logistics and transportation, and tourism. Furthermore, we discuss the multi-faceted communication capabilities of 6G that will contribute significantly to global sustainability and how 6G will bring about a dramatic change in the business arena. Finally, we highlight the research trends, open research issues, and key take-away lessons for future research exploration in 6G wireless communicatio
A Survey on UAV-Aided Maritime Communications: Deployment Considerations, Applications, and Future Challenges
Maritime activities represent a major domain of economic growth with several
emerging maritime Internet of Things use cases, such as smart ports, autonomous
navigation, and ocean monitoring systems. The major enabler for this exciting
ecosystem is the provision of broadband, low-delay, and reliable wireless
coverage to the ever-increasing number of vessels, buoys, platforms, sensors,
and actuators. Towards this end, the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) in maritime communications introduces an aerial dimension to wireless
connectivity going above and beyond current deployments, which are mainly
relying on shore-based base stations with limited coverage and satellite links
with high latency. Considering the potential of UAV-aided wireless
communications, this survey presents the state-of-the-art in UAV-aided maritime
communications, which, in general, are based on both conventional optimization
and machine-learning-aided approaches. More specifically, relevant UAV-based
network architectures are discussed together with the role of their building
blocks. Then, physical-layer, resource management, and cloud/edge computing and
caching UAV-aided solutions in maritime environments are discussed and grouped
based on their performance targets. Moreover, as UAVs are characterized by
flexible deployment with high re-positioning capabilities, studies on UAV
trajectory optimization for maritime applications are thoroughly discussed. In
addition, aiming at shedding light on the current status of real-world
deployments, experimental studies on UAV-aided maritime communications are
presented and implementation details are given. Finally, several important open
issues in the area of UAV-aided maritime communications are given, related to
the integration of sixth generation (6G) advancements
- …