Rate Splitting in VCSEL-based Optical Wireless Networks

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of VCSEL lasers in optical wireless networks, demonstrating that hierarchical rate splitting significantly improves data rates and interference management in high-density scenarios.

Contribution

It introduces hierarchical rate splitting (HRS) as a novel approach tailored for high-density VCSEL-based optical wireless networks, outperforming traditional rate splitting methods.

Findings

VCSELs enable high data rates in optical wireless communication.

HRS outperforms standard RS in high-density network scenarios.

Hierarchical rate splitting effectively manages multi-user interference.

Abstract

Optical wireless communication is an effective potential solution for enabling high speed next generation cellular networks. In this paper, laser sources, in particular, vertical-cavity surface-emitting (VCSEL) lasers are used for data transmission due to their high modulation speed compared with light emitting diode (LED) sources. To manage multi-user interference, rate splitting (RS) is implemented where the message of a user is split into common and private parts. However, the performance of RS is limited in high density networks. Therefore, hierarchical rate splitting (HRS) particularly suited in high density networks is considered. The results demonstrate the high data rate achieved by using VCSELs. Moreover, HRS is more suitable for achieving high performance in optical networks compared with RS.