Enhanced performance using STBC aided coding for led-based multiple input single output visible light communication network

Abstract

Light-emitting diode-based (LED) visible light communication (VLC) has become a candidate in next generation ultrahigh-speed indoor wireless local area network. Within this scenario, it is most likely for a receiver to obtain the signals from multiple LED sources, which in general brings about interference among the transmitters and may result in failure detection. In this article, space-time block coding (STBC), as a representative multiple antenna techniques, is adopted to enhance the VLC network performance for its effective suppression on the intertransmitter interference. We experimentally demonstrate a multiple input single output VLC network consisting of two RGB-LEDs. Using STBC-OFDM Coding, a total throughput of 500 Mb/s is achieved and the free space transmission reach can be extended as long as 5 m. As far as we know, it is the fastest speed and longest distance in multiple antenna VLC network using STBC coding. Both theoretical simulation and experimental investigation reveal great improvements in the robustness, flexibility, and compatibility of a LED-VLC network due to the appropriate coding scheme.