Visible light communication security vulnerabilities in multiuser network: power distribution and signal to noise ratio analysis

Abstract

In the near future, Visible Light Communication (VLC) is expected to be used in multiple environments which were due to radio frequency RF congestion and health limitations, RF should not be employed. VLC is a combination of optical wireless communications and illumination. Due to the misconception that VLC-based communications cannot be eavesdropped on by malicious attacker since light does not penetrate through solid objects like walls, VLC security and privacy are areas that have been hardly studied. In this work, we study various techniques for physical layer security performance of a VLC-based communication. Then we propose a new VLC framework to defend against eavesdropping attacks. Three-step process was followed to achieve this aim. First implementing more APs in multiuser VLC network, then reducing the semi-angle of LED and, finally using the protected zone around the AP where eavesdroppers are restricted. The performance is measured in terms of the received optical power and SNR. The results of the simulations indicate that VLC secrecy performance can be enhanced using the proposed model.