OptiLiFi:Optimising LiFi communication

To respond to the exponential growth of the demands for wireless communication, radio communication is reaching limits of achievable data rates and density of users. Mutual interference and shortage of spectrum are increasingly difficult to overcome. Yet, by using light as a means to communicate, high bit rates and high user densities can be supported. In fact, light beams can more easily be confined into beams and can carry vast amounts of data to the intended user, without causing interference to other communications. Hence, signal processing, communication algorithms protocols can be much realized at lower power. Existing light infrastructure can be reused. Communication based on light can be made more energy efficient than radio-based systems. However, there is still a wide gap in performance between practical optical systems and what test under lab conditions promise. These requires several fundamental steps to be made.
Project goal is to provide mechanisms to connect to the moving user location and to steer light beams seamlessly to the are not yet mature. Acquisition and tracking requires novel mechanisms, jointly optimizing optics, emitter and detector arrays, algorithms to track and control beam directions, and protocols, not only for the data beam, but also to generate error and control signals. Challenges also include a better understanding and modelling of the emitters (not only of LEDs, but also of VCSELs and other lasers), and detectors to support faster modulation, increase if the robustness of the wire by cooperation between light point in the ceiling. The project fits seamlessly in the roadmap HTSM Lighting.