A Comprehensive Study on the Advances and Challenges in Visible Light Communication Technologies

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is a burgeoning technology leveraging Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) to transmit data through modulating light, achieving speed imperceptible to the human eye. This technology offers an optimistic alternative to traditional Radio Frequency (RF) communication due to its high bandwidth, energy efficiency, and security advantages. VLC utilizes the visible light spectrum, which is abundant and free from electromagnetic interference, making it an ideal solution for indoor communication environments. This survey article provides a comprehensive overview of VLC, starting from its fundamental principles to the latest advancements and applications. It begins with a discussion on the characteristics of visible light and its advantages over RF communication, including the ability to use existing lighting infrastructure for data transmission. The article then elaborates on the technical aspects of VLC, including modulation techniques, data rate enhancements, and the integration of VLC with existing communication technologies. Challenges such as light interference, indoor and outdoor propagation models, and device compatibility are also critically analyzed. Further, the article explores various applications of VLC in real-world scenarios, such as in smart lighting, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and underwater communication. It highlights the potential of VLC to revolutionize communication in sectors where RF communication is limited or impractical. In conclusion, this comprehensive study highlights the significant potential of VLC technology, while also acknowledging the limitations that needs to be overcomes for its widespread adoption. Keywords— VLC (Visible Light Communication), LED (Light Emitting Diode), RF (Radio Frequency), ML (Machine Learning), DL (Deep Learning).