Visible light communication technologies: A tutorial and survey from fundamentals to cutting-edge innovations

Abstract

The integration of Visible Light Communication (VLC) has represented a major breakthrough by unlocking a new band of the spectrum, the visible light domain, while complementing the existing radio frequency spectrums. This innovation paves the way for applications that were previously inaccessible through traditional radio-based technologies. VLC has not only alleviated congestion in wireless networks but also offers a unique opportunity for expanding the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling communication between a multitude of connected devices. This paper provides a comprehensive review of VLC, tracing its development from its inception to the present state. The analysis is structured around the three essential components of a communication chain: the transmitter, the receiver, and the transmission channel. It is a synthesis of current knowledge, examining the various types of transmitters used, their adaptation to different applications, and their advantages and limitations. The paper also explores the methods for modeling transmission channels in VLC, detailing the differences between indoor and outdoor channels and how each type of channel corresponds to specific applications, along with their respective strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, particular attention is given to VLC receivers, analyzing their specificities based on channel types and the applications they are associated with. Through this review, the paper not only highlights the achievements made by researchers thus far but also discusses the challenges and future prospects in this ever-evolving field. Simulations and case studies are presented chronologically, providing a comprehensive view of the progress made and the results obtained, while identifying research avenues that need further exploration to advance this revolutionary technology.