Optica Advanced Photonics Congress

A Light in Digital Darkness: Optical Wireless Communication to Connect the Unconnected

The transformative influence of Internet and Communication Technology (ICT) has reshaped society, touching every aspect from the economy to healthcare. As the widespread deployment of 5G continues, there is an ongoing focus on the inception of the sixth generation (6G) of wireless communication systems (WCSs). Anticipated to shape the future of connectivity in the 2030s, 6G aims to deliver unparalleled communication services to meet hyper-connectivity demands. While densely populated urban areas have traditionally been the primary beneficiaries of WCS advancements, the vision for 6G transcends city limits. Aligned with the United Nations' sustainability goals for 2030, an important aspect of 6G endeavors to democratize the benefits of ICT, fostering global connectivity sustainably. This talk delves into this particular envisioned landscape of 6G, providing insights into the future of wireless communication and guiding research efforts toward sustainable, inclusive and high-speed connectivity solutions for the future.
 
Central to this discussion are two emerging technologies: Free Space Optics (FSO) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). These innovative solutions hold the promise of extending high-speed connectivity beyond urban hubs to underserved regions, fostering digital inclusivity and contributing to the development of remote areas. Through this exploration, we aim to convey the potential of 6G and its role in shaping a connected, sustainable future for all.

About the Speaker

Mohamed-Slim Alouini was born in Tunis, Tunisia. He earned his PhD from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 1998 before serving as a faculty member at the University of Minnesota and later at Texas A&M University in Qatar. In 2009, he became a founding faculty member at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), where he currently is the Al-Khawarizmi Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the holder of the UNESCO Chair on Education to Connect the Unconnected. Dr. Alouini is a Fellow of IEEE and Optica, and his research interests encompass a wide array of topics in wireless and satellite communications. He is currently focusing on addressing the technical challenges associated with information and communication technologies (ICT) in underserved regions. He is committed to bridging the digital divide by tackling issues related to the uneven distribution, access to and utilization of ICT in rural, low-income, disaster-prone and hard-to-reach areas.