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) communication 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 performance thresholds, helping equipment vendors and operators design resilient and cost-effective 6G access solutions.
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 performance thresholds, helping equipment vendors and operators design resilient and cost-effective 6G access solutions.
Optical transport architectures
Point-to- Multipoint
Availability
Free space optics
6G
THz communication
Mobile fronthaul
CapEx
Author
Sai Vikranth Goud Pendem
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Antennas and Optical Networks
Carlos Natalino Da Silva
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Antennas and Optical Networks
Paolo Monti
Chalmers, Electrical Engineering, Communication, Antennas and Optical Networks
Antonio Napoli
Nokia Strategy and Technology
International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks
21627339 (ISSN)
9798331597771 (ISBN)
25th International Conference on Transport Optical Networks
Barcelona, Spain,
Barcelona, Spain,
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.
Efficient Confluent Edge Networks (ECO-eNET)
European Commission (EC) (EC/HE/101139133), 2024-01-01 -- 2028-12-31.
Areas of Advance
Information and Communication Technology
Subject Categories (SSIF 2025)
Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Information Engineering
DOI
10.1109/ICTON67126.2025.11125338