Dr. Alexis A. Dowhuszko

5G relies on very dense network deployments, utilizing new technologies such as millimeter wave
(mmW), network function virtualization, software-defined networks, and network slicing, as well as
evolutions of existing 4G technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO).
However, 5G key performance indicators will not be sufficient to meet the demands of the new
services foreseen by 2030, which include a notable growth on the deployment of machine-type
nodes in 2D/3D service areas, and the necessity of even higher data rates for beyond 5G (B5G) use
cases. Apart from higher data rates (throughput), reliability and latency (dependability), and number
of connected devices in the service area (scalability), there are new requirements not considered so
far such as sensing and positioning, security, privacy and trust, and sustainability and energy
efficiency.
Existing mobile networks rely almost exclusively on radio frequency (RF) technology, which is
currently under pressure to meet the growing demands for wireless connectivity. The Optical
Wireless Communication (OWC) technology promises several advantages when compared to RF-
based systems using both sub-6 GHz and mmW bands, namely: 1) ultra-densification — Many nodes
can be deployed indoors with very little interference among them, simplifying the management of
inter-cell interference; 2) green technology with multiple functionalities — It uses energy-efficient
LEDs for illumination, data communications, positioning and sensing in indoor/outdoor
environments; 3) inherent security at the physical layer — highly desirable in many applications
including finance, business, manufacturing and health-care; 4) electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
— Very relevant feature in scenarios such as intensive-care units in hospitals, where medical
equipment can be notably affected by the electromagnetic signals that RF devices emit. Finally, the
optical spectrum is license-free, and the maximum transmit power in OWC can be much higher than
the power with RF signals.
In this presentation, we start by making an overview on the common characteristics of OWC
systems, making emphasis on the differences that exists between laser-based and LED-based
technologies used for (long-range) point-to-point and (short-range) wireless access links,
respectively. Then, we present some key results on different OWC systems, focusing on the
opportunities that this new technology has to offer in the B5G landscape. Finally, we present a vision
on the activities that should promote the adoption of OWC technology, addressing the challenges
that are delaying its massive use.

Biography:

Alexis A. Dowhuszko (Senior Member, IEEE) received
the Telecommunications Engineer degree from Blas Pascal University,
Córdoba, Argentina, in 2002, and the Ph.D. degree in engineering sciences
from the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina, in 2010.
From 2010 to 2015, he was a Postdoctoral Researcher with the Department
of Communications and Networking, Aalto University, Finland. In 2016, he
moved to Spain to take a Senior Researcher position with the Centre
Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), Barcelona. In August
2020, he returned to Finland and joined the Department of Information and
Communications Engineering (DICE), Aalto University, as a Research Fellow.
He has been the Finnish representative of the Management Committee in COST Action CA19111 on
“Future Generation Optical Wireless Communication Technologies” and has (co)authored about 30
journal papers, 70 conference articles, one book chapter and five patent application.