Hybrid FSO–THz Technologies for 6G Access Networks: A Cost-Availability Trade-off Analysis
Paper in proceeding, 2025
Free space optics (FSO) and terahertz (THz) com-
munication are emerging as promising wireless technologies
to meet the high data rate and low-latency requirements of
6G access networks. However, assessing their techno-economic
feasibility is essential before widespread deployment. This paper
analyzes the cost and availability trade-offs of hybrid FSO–THz
deployments in mobile access networks, considering multiple
topologies and geographic scenarios. It also evaluates their use
as protection mechanisms under network failure conditions. The
findings provide practical guidance on target cost and perfor-
mance thresholds, helping equipment vendors and operators
design resilient and cost-effective 6G access solutions.
munication are emerging as promising wireless technologies
to meet the high data rate and low-latency requirements of
6G access networks. However, assessing their techno-economic
feasibility is essential before widespread deployment. This paper
analyzes the cost and availability trade-offs of hybrid FSO–THz
deployments in mobile access networks, considering multiple
topologies and geographic scenarios. It also evaluates their use
as protection mechanisms under network failure conditions. The
findings provide practical guidance on target cost and perfor-
mance thresholds, helping equipment vendors and operators
design resilient and cost-effective 6G access solutions.
THz communication
Availability
CapEx
Mobile fronthaul
Free space optics
Point-to- Multipoint
6G
Optical transport architectures
Author
Sai Vikranth Goud Pendem
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Antennas and Optical Networks
Paolo Monti
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Antennas and Optical Networks
Carlos Natalino Da Silva
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Antennas and Optical Networks
International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks
21627339 (ISSN)
25th International Conference on Transport Optical Networks
Barcelona, Spain,
Barcelona, Spain,
Efficient Confluent Edge Networks (ECO-eNET)
European Commission (EC) (EC/HE/101139133), 2024-01-01 -- 2028-12-31.
EMPOWER Converged Optical Wireless Configurations With Cell-Free Technologies For High-Density 6G Networks (EMPOWER - 6G)
Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, 2024-01-01 -- 2027-12-31.
Areas of Advance
Information and Communication Technology
Subject Categories (SSIF 2025)
Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering