Visible Light Communication Enabling Next-Generation Wireless Networks

This chapter presents an overview of visible light communication enabling next-generation wireless networks. In particular, the chapter expounds on the electromagnetic (EM) spectrum. It explains the composition of the visible light spectrum occupying the frequency range from 430THz to 790THz and radio waves occupying the radio and microwave frequency bands ranging from 3kHz to 300GHz. Additionally, the chapter highlights the evolution of wireless communication technologies from 1G to 6G. It briefly explains how visible light meets radio frequency, considering VLC nodes and transmitting and receiving nodes. Also, the chapter examines signal conditioning in the context of VLC modulation and multiple access techniques. Last, the chapter explores recent advances in high-speed communications, considering several techniques and their applications, and highlights open research areas in this domain.