IRO Journals
IRO Journal on Sustainable Wireless Systems

A Comprehensive Review of Semiconductor and Optical Wireless Communication Technologies for 5G and 6G Systems

Open Access
Published: 27 May, 2026
Pages: 114-127
  • Jakkaraju Raghavi , Jakkaraju Raghavi
    UG Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
    UG Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Shalini Devi G. , Shalini Devi G.
    UG Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
    UG Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Sandya V. , Sandya V.
    PG Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
    PG Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
  • Ajay Kumar Reddy P. Ajay Kumar Reddy P.
    Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
    Associate Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kuppam Engineering College, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, India
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How to Cite

Raghavi, Jakkaraju, Shalini Devi G., Sandya V., and Ajay Kumar Reddy P. 2026. “A Comprehensive Review of Semiconductor and Optical Wireless Communication Technologies for 5G and 6G Systems”. IRO Journal on Sustainable Wireless Systems 8 (2): 114-27. https://doi.org/10.36548/jsws.2026.2.005.
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Keywords

5G communication
6G Networks
Semiconductor Materials
High-Frequency Transistors
Terahertz Communication
Optical Wireless Communication (OWC)

Abstract

The rapid evolution of wireless communication systems calls for ever-increasing data rate, reduced latency, enhanced spectral efficiency and dependable connectivity of many mobile devices. The transition from fifth generation (5G) communication systems to sixth generation (6G) necessitates advancements in semiconductor technology and novel approaches in communication. This paper reviews some of the semiconductor materials and optical wireless communication systems suitable for future communications systems. Some of the semiconductor materials that can be used in future communication systems include silicon (Si), silicon-germanium (SiGe), gallium nitride (GaN), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and indium phosphide (InP). These materials have been selected for this study considering their suitability in applications of high frequency and power. Also, emerging materials and future devices are considered in the discussion. Optical wireless communication technologies reviewed in this paper include visible light communication (VLC), light fidelity (LiFi), and free-space optical (FSO) communication technologies. Future communication technologies face several challenges including device scaling, heat dissipation, and complex systems integration. This paper also addresses possible future research areas for future communication systems including hybrid radio frequency-optical networks and intelligent communication systems.

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