# A Review of Hybrid VLC/RF Networks: Features, Applications, and Future Directions
## 6 Conclusions  
Interest in hybrid networks has grown exponentially in recent years due to the limitations of RF systems. In particular, hybrid VLC/RF networks will become relevant for mobile communications beyond 5G and 6G, as such integration meets the required KPIs. Study of the VLC/RF hybrid network framework in an indoor scenario demonstrates the importance of lighting requirements, network load balancing, resource allocation, and network selection for correct deployment of these systems. Optimal design of the hybrid channel model can help to mitigate the effects of interference and multi-path signal loss. Outdoor scenarios are characterized by several factors that cause fading of the transmission signal, such as scattering, absorption, non-alignment, and turbulence. An optimal channel for VLC/RF networks must adapt to harsh environmental conditions and maintain appropriate general performance of the system under such conditions. The study of hybrid VLC/RF networks is very increasing, as demonstrated by the multiple technological, economic, and socio-environmental applications presented for these hybrid systems to date. The combination of VLC and RF has revolutionized the potential of Internet of Things (IoT) systems, unlocking a world of innovative applications, from improving indoor positioning for seamless navigation to enhancing crop growth in precision agriculture. These hybrid networks hold immense potential to create intelligent applications across multiple sectors, paving the way to a more sustainable future. Despite the many advantages of hybrid VLC/RF networks, it is necessary to continue research regarding their incorporation into next-generation mobile networks and their integration with other technologies such as OCC.  
This manuscript was developed by several authors; the individual contributions of each author are shown below. Conceptualization, L.B.A., S.M.-S. and G.S.; methodology, L.B.A., S.M.-S., L.R.-L. and G.S.; software, L.R.-L.; validation, S.M.-S., G.S. and C.A.-M.; formal analysis, L.B.A., S.M.-S. and G.S.; research, L.B.A.; resources, L.B.A., S.M.-S., L.R.-L. and G.S.; data curation, S.M.-S. and L.R.-L.; writing--preparation of the original draft, L.B.A.; writing--revising and editing, S.M.-S., L.R.-L., G.S. and C.A.-M.; visualization, L.B.A. and L.R.-L.; supervision, S.M.-S. and G.S.; project administration, L.B.A., S.M.-S. and G.S.; obtaining funding, S.M.-S., L.R.-L. and G.S. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.  
This research was funded by the following ANID grants: Beca Doctorado Nacional 21220282, Instituto Milenio de Investigacion en Optica ICN17-012, ANID FONDECYT Iniciacion No. 11200659, FONDECYT Regular 1211132 and 1231826, and STIC-AmSud AMSUD220026.  
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.  
The following abbreviations are used in this manuscript:  
\begin{tabular}{l l}
5G & Fifth Generation \\
6G & Sixth Generation \\ AP & Access Point \\ B5G & Beyond Fifth Generation \\ CSMA/CA & Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance \\ IM/DD & Intensity Modulation/Direct Detection \\ \end{tabular}