Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) Course for 5G & IoT | IIIT Delhi
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1426 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering, Photonics |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 19 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Illuminating the Future: A Deep Dive into Optical Wireless Communications for Beyond 5G and IoT
The relentless demand for higher data rates, massive device connectivity, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication is pushing the boundaries of traditional radio frequency (RF) spectrum. As we look beyond 5G, a transformative technology is emerging from the shadows—or rather, from the light. Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) is poised to be a cornerstone technology for next-generation networks and the Internet of Things (IoT).
This comprehensive 12-week course, designed and instructed by Prof. Anand Srivastava of IIIT Delhi, offers a unique opportunity to master this cutting-edge field. It bridges the gap between fundamental principles and practical applications, preparing engineers and researchers for the future of connectivity.
Why Optical Wireless Communications?
OWC uses visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to transmit data wirelessly. Unlike RF, it offers a vast, unlicensed spectrum, enabling unprecedented data speeds (potentially exceeding 100 Gbps), enhanced security (as light does not penetrate walls), and immunity to electromagnetic interference. From LiFi in your home to Free-Space Optics (FSO) for backhaul and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communications, OWC's applications are vast and critical for supporting the dense, high-bandwidth demands of future networks.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Anand Srivastava
The course is led by a distinguished expert with decades of experience in telecom research and industry. Prof. Anand Srivastava brings a rare blend of academic excellence and real-world deployment expertise.
- Academic & Research Leadership: With an M.Tech. and Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, he is a Professor at IIIT Delhi and an Adjunct faculty at IIT Delhi. He has led significant research in France under an Indo-French cooperation program.
- Industry Pioneer: His career includes a 20-year tenure at CDOT (Govt. of India), where he led national projects in telecom security, network management, and optical access networks (GPON), followed by a role as Solution Architect at Alcatel-Lucent Bell Labs.
- Standardization Authority: He has represented India at ITU-T for optical networking standards and is currently driving VLC/LiFi standardization efforts in India through TSDSI.
Course Overview: What You Will Learn
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course is structured to provide a holistic understanding of OWC systems, from theory to simulation.
| Week | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1-3 | Fundamentals & Components: Introduction to OWC, comparison with RF, Optical Sources (LEDs/Lasers), and Detectors (PIN/APD). |
| Weeks 4-6 | Channel Modeling: In-depth analysis of Indoor, Outdoor (Atmospheric), and Underwater OWC channel characteristics and challenges. |
| Weeks 7-8 | Modulation Techniques: Digital baseband modulations (PAM, PPM), O-OFDM, Color Shift Keying (CSK), and NOMA for OWC. |
| Weeks 9-10 | System Performance: Analyzing link performance under various conditions like ambient light and atmospheric turbulence. |
| Weeks 11-12 | Practical Applications & Simulations: Hands-on MATLAB® exercises on indoor links, O-OFDM, WiFi/LiFi coexistence, and V2V communications. |
Key Learning Outcomes
- Understand the fundamental principles and advantages of OWC over traditional RF.
- Model and analyze OWC channels for indoor, outdoor, and underwater environments.
- Design and evaluate modern modulation schemes tailored for optical bands.
- Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard MATLAB® simulations to model real-world OWC scenarios.
- Explore cutting-edge use-cases like LiFi, FSO backhaul, and optical V2V communications.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideal for:
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate students in Electrical, Electronics, Communications Engineering, and Photonics.
- Engineers and professionals in the telecom industry looking to upskill in next-generation wireless technologies.
- Researchers aiming to contribute to the fields of Beyond 5G, IoT, and optical networks.
Prerequisite: A foundational knowledge of Digital Communication Systems is required.
Industry Relevance & Support
The skills gained in this course are highly sought after by leading telecom and networking companies. The course enjoys recognition and support from major industry players including Sterlite Technologies Ltd., Tejas Networks, BSNL, BEL, and ITI, highlighting its direct relevance to current and future industry needs.
Essential Learning Resources
The curriculum is supported by seminal textbooks in the field:
- Advanced Optical Wireless Communication Systems by Arnon, Barry, et al. (Cambridge University Press)
- Optical Wireless Communications System and Channel Modelling by Ghassemlooy, Popoola, et al. (CRC Press)
- Optical Communications by Gerd Keiser
Teaching Assistants Anand Singh and Priyanka Singh will provide additional support throughout the course.
Conclusion: As the world gears up for Beyond 5G and an IoT-dominated future, Optical Wireless Communications stands out as a key enabling technology. This course, under the expert guidance of Prof. Anand Srivastava, offers the perfect blend of deep theoretical knowledge and practical simulation skills to not just understand but also shape the future of wireless communication. Enlighten your career prospects by stepping into the world of light-speed data.
Enroll Now →