This paper explores how the Field of View (FOV) of a Visible Light Communications (VLC) receiver can be manipulated to realize the best Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) while supporting device mobility and optimal access point (AP) selection. We propose a Dynamic FOV receiver (D-FOV) that changes its aperture according to receiver velocity, location, and device orientation. The D-FOV technique is evaluated through modeling, analysis, and experimentation in an indoor environment comprised of 15 VLC access points (APs). The proposed approach is also realized as an algorithm that is studied through analysis and simulation. Results of the study indicate the efficacy of the approach including a 3X increase in predicted SNR over static FOV approaches based on measured Received Signal Strength (RSS) in the testbed. Additionally, the collected data reveal that D-FOV increases effectiveness in the presence of noise. Finally, we describe the tradeoffs among the number of VLC sources, FOV, user device velocity, and SNR as a performance metric.

Visible light communications (VLC) (including LiFi) represent a subset of the broader field of optical wireless communications. Where narrow beams, typical of free space optical communications are largely free from interference. VLC encompasses use cases involving combined illumination and data access and supporting a wireless access point (AP) model. The use of many units provides scaling of spatial coverage for both lighting and data access. However, AP replication in close proximity creates many interference challenges that motivate the investigation embodied in this paper. In particular, we frame the interference challenge in the context of existing strategies for driving improvements in link performance and consider the impacts of multiple users, multiple sources and multiple cells. Lastly, we review the state of existing research in this area and recommend areas for further study. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Optical wireless communication’.

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