Hello - In November, there was a request for members of IEEE 802.15 with
experience in OWC to review the draft-ietf-6lo-owc.  Below are some of the
comments.

1.       Section 1 (Introduction)

It could be helpful to briefly mention specific scenarios where OWC
outperforms other wireless technologies in IoT settings



2.       Section 2 (Conventions and Terminology)

The technical terminology is well-aligned with standards (e.g., 6LoWPAN,
OWC, and 6LN/6LR definitions), which is helpful for a technically
proficient reader. However, some terms like “SCHC”, “DAD” are introduced
without definitions. A brief explanation for acronyms might make the
document more accessible.



3.       Section 5 (Internet Connectivity Scenarios)

a.       This introduction could outline the scenarios covered (single-hop
vs. multi hop), setting the stage for readers unfamiliar with different
network configurations.

b.      The scenarios in this section provide useful context, but expanding
on potential interoperability issues with other wireless technologies
(e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth) would be beneficial. A discussion on how IPv6 over
OWC could coexist with these technologies in a mixed network environment
could enhance understanding of its deployment potential.

c.       The document provides a thorough explanation of OWC network
topologies, detailing how the technology supports peer-to-peer, star, and
multihop configurations. However, it would be even more valuable by
including an example scenario illustrating how each topology would apply to
real-world IoT applications.

d.      A potential use-case scenario could be added for both single-hop
and multi hop. Ex: In single-hop networks it could be applied to
small-scale home automation, meanwhile for the multi-hop it would be
suitable for large industrial settings.

4.       Comments

a.       It does not consider interference and noise, particularly from
ambient light sources, which can affect the reliability and quality of
optical communication links.

b.      A brief description of how it improves energy efficiency would be
beneficial in providing a clearer understanding of its impact on overall
energy efficiency.

c.       An explanation about the importance of implementing 6LowPAN in OWC
and the main advantages compared to another method for OWC.

While this document is referencing OWC from IEEE 802.15.7-2011, we wanted
to make you aware of some other OWC developments in IEEE 802, for future
reference.

802.15.7-2011 [1] has PHYI-III using photodiode (PD) as a detector, what is
similar like using an antenna. IEEE Std 802.15.7-2018 [2] has been further
developed to include further PHYs based on using a camera as a detector,
what is denoted as OCC (optical camera communications. IEEE P802.15.7a [3]
adds another OCC PHY for higher rate and longer range. Compared to PD, OCC
PHYs focus on low data rates, typically in the kbit/s range.



The work on PD detectors, which allow multi-Gbit/s was continued 802 in two
ways in two parallel projects in 802.15 and 802.11.



802.15 developed IEEE Std 802.15.13-2023 [4] for industrial IoT. It
includes further PHYs based on pulsed modulation (i.e. on-off-keying with
frequency-domain equalization OOK/FDE), besides an adaptive OFDM PHY. The
MAC layer has been simplified compared to 802.15.7-2011 [1], while
maintaining its principle approach. It includes new functionalities, in
particular distributed MIMO and relaying.



802.11 developed IEEE Std 802.11bb-2023 [5] to open the mass market for
OWC. 802.11bb reuses the entire PHY and MAC protocol including all higher
layer interfaces from 802.11 over the light medium, which is treated as a
“transparent” channel. This is reached by a simple frequency conversion
below the lower PHY and the resulting signal is then modulated onto the LED.



References



[1]          802.15.7-2011: https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/802.15.7/5154/

[2]          802.15.7-2018: https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/802.15.7/6820/

[3]          Draft of P802.15.7a:
https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/802.15.7a/10367/

[4]          802.15.13-2023:
https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/802.15.13/10269/

[5]          802.11bb-2023: https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/802.11bb/10823/


Thank you,
Ann
*==================================*
*Ann Krieger ([email protected] <[email protected]>)*
*U.S. Department of Defense*
*IEEE 802.15 WG Vice-Chair*
*Work (Maryland): 240-373-0668*
*Cell (when not in MD): 614-545-8255*
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