A Software-Defined Multi-Element VLC Architecture

TL;DR

This paper proposes a novel multi-element hemispherical VLC bulb architecture that enhances indoor communication by enabling high throughput, energy efficiency, and spatial reuse through multiple data streams.

Contribution

It introduces a new multi-element hemispherical VLC bulb design that improves link quality and spatial reuse in indoor environments.

Findings

Simulations show high link quality with the proposed architecture.

The design enables multiple data streams for increased throughput.

Good spatial reuse is achievable in typical indoor scenarios.

Abstract

In the modern era of radio frequency (RF) spectrum crunch, visible light communication (VLC) is a recent and promising alternative technology that operates at the visible light spectrum. Thanks to its unlicensed and large bandwidth, VLC can deliver high throughput, better energy efficiency, and low cost data communications. In this article, a hybrid RF/VLC architecture is considered that can simultaneously provide light- ing and communication coverage across a room. Considered architecture involves a novel multi-element hemispherical bulb design, which can transmit multiple data streams over light emitting diode (LED) modules. Simulations considering various VLC transmitter configurations and topologies show that good link quality and high spatial reuse can be maintained in typical indoor communication scenarios.