Optical Wireless Superhighways FREE

Data generation and consumption have been growing exponentially over the past 50 years. Traditional technologies to disseminate data at all length scales have or will shortly reach their capacity limits. To support future applications, such as high-resolution earth observation, 5G and beyond wireless connectivity, and data-intensive remote services in homes, a new paradigm for wireless connectivity is needed. Building on the unique Dutch eco-system of optical systems academic research intertwined with industrial optical wireless R&D, we can put the Netherlands within 5 years at the forefront of wireless communication technology. A key objective of this transition is to provide a single, multi-technology network, including satellites as critical components. we will carry out exploratory and applied research into crucial aspects of deploying optical communications to replace radio frequency for wireless connectivity. We will use 5G as a network of networks to seamlessly integrate satellite communications into ground networks to provide satellite-to-satellite Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). This simpler integration between terrestrial and satellite networks allows new growth potential for the Internet of Things (IOT). Using the huge available bandwidth, inherent security, low latency, and license-free exploitation, we foresee a 10 to 100-fold increase in wireless connectivity at all length scales, from several meters to tens of thousands of kilometers. Many synergies can be achieved by a joint pursuit of innovation in the terminals used, a better understanding of the links and a holistic approach to resilient networking, architecture, and system integration.