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NEWFOCUS is an EU COST Action targeted at exploring radical solutions that could influence the design of future wireless networks. The project aims to address some of the challenges associated with optical wireless communication (OWC) and to establish it as a complementary technology to the radio frequency (RF)-based wireless systems in order to meet the demanding requirements of the fifth generation (5G) and the future sixth generation (6G) backhaul and access networks. Only 6G will be able to widely serve the exponential growth in connected devices (i.e., more than 500 billion) in 2030, real-time holographic communication, future virtual reality, etc. Space is emerging as the new frontier in 5 and 6G and beyond communication networks, where it offers high-speed wireless coverage to remote areas both in lands and sees. This activity is supported by the recent development of low-altitude Earth orbit satellite mega-constellations. The focus of this 2nd White Paper is on the use of OWC as an enabling technology for medium- and long-range links for deployment in (i) smart-cities and intelligent transportation systems; (ii) first- and last-mile access and backhaul/fronthaul wireless networks; (iii) hybrid free-space optics/RF adaptive wireless connections; (iv) space-to-ground, inter-satellite, ground-to-air, and air-to-air communications; and (v) underwater communications.

The EU COST Action NEWFOCUS is focused on investigating radical solutions with the potential to impact the design of future wireless networks. It aims to address some of the challenges in OWC and establish it as an efficient technology that can satisfy the demanding requirements of backhaul and access network levels in 5G networks. This also includes the use of hybrid links that associate OWC with radiofrequency or wired/fiber-based technologies. The focus of this White Paper is on the use of optical wireless communication (OWC) as enabling technology in a range of areas outlined in HE's Pillar II including Health, Manufacturing, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Network and Protocol.