VLC-signals distribution over GI-POF for in-home wireless networks

Abstract

We present the proof of concept of a wide-band signals distribution network combining plastic optical fiber (POF) and LED-based visible light communication (VLC). The proposed architecture exploits Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM) of multiple signals, each of which selected at a specific VLC hot-spot. The multiplexed signals are first distributed via a POF; at the hot-spot a given frequency-band is down-converted to baseband and then transmitted through the optical wireless link. We demonstrated a distribution scenario over 50 m POF/2.5 m VLC link of two hot-spots, each having 200 Mbit/s capacity. We employed optimized discrete multi-tone modulation technique with optimal bit/power loading algorithm, maintaining the bit error ratio within the FEC limit.