This book focuses on optical wireless communications (OWC) an emerging technology with huge
potential for the provision of pervasive and reliable next-generation communications networks.
It shows how the development of novel and efficient wireless technologies can contribute to a
range of transmission links essential for the heterogeneous networks of the future to support
various communications services and traffic patterns with ever-increasing demands for higher
data-transfer rates. The book starts with a chapter reviewing the OWC field which explains
different sub-technologies (visible-light ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) communications)
and introduces the spectrum of application areas (indoor vehicular terrestrial underwater
intersatellite deep space etc.). This provides readers with the necessary background
information to understand the specialist material in the main body of the book which is in
four parts. The first of these deals with propagation modelling and channel characterization of
OWC channels at different spectral bands and with different applications. The second starts by
providing a unified information-theoretic treatment of OWC and then discusses advanced
physical-layer methodologies (including but not limited to: advanced coding modulation
diversity cooperation and multi-carrier techniques) and the ultimate limitations imposed by
practical constraints. On top of the physical layer come the upper-layer protocols and
cross-layer designs that are the subject of the third part of the book. The last part of the
book features a chapter-by-chapter assessment of selected OWC applications. Optical Wireless
Communications is a valuable reference guide for academic researchers and practitioners
concerned with the future development of the world¿s communication networks. It succinctly but
comprehensively presents the latest advances in the field.
