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Visible light communications heterogeneous network (VLC-HetNet): new model and protocols for mobile scenario

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Abstract

In order to resolve the crowded radio spectrum of wireless communication systems, visible light communications (VLC), which uses a vast unregulated and free light spectrum, has emerged to be a viable solution. However, duplex communication, user mobility, multi-user access and transmission mechanisms are becoming challenging tasks in VLC network. In this article, we propose a new VLC heterogeneous network (VLC-HetNet) model which merges VLC and radio frequency (RF) network. VLC channel is only used for downlink transmission, while RF channels are served for uplinks in any situation, or for downlinks only without VLC hotspots coverage. New VLC frame, multi-user access mechanism, horizontal and vertical handover protocols are presented to support the VLC-HetNet model, especially for solving the problems at multi-user mobility scenario. Simulation results show improvements in capacity performance of the VLC-HetNet, when compared to RF system. Besides, the average vertical handover number and VLC downlink dwelling time ratio have been analysed.

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Acknowledgments

This work is supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61502210 and 61571211), the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province (No. BK20130530), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 2015M570484), Programs of Senior Talent Foundation of Jiangsu University (No. 11JDG130) and the Open Research Fund of National Mobile Communications Research Laboratory, Southeast University (Nos. 2013D01 and 2013D08).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Computer and Communications Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China

    Xu Bao

  2. School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, China

    Jisheng Dai

  3. National Mobile Communications Research Laboratory, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China

    Jisheng Dai & Xiaorong Zhu

  4. Wireless Communication Key Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing, 210003, China

    Xiaorong Zhu

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  1. Xu Bao
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Correspondence to Xu Bao.

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Bao, X., Dai, J. & Zhu, X. Visible light communications heterogeneous network (VLC-HetNet): new model and protocols for mobile scenario. Wireless Netw 23, 299–309 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11276-016-1233-z

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