Optimal resource allocation for non-real time visible light communication networks

Abstract

In this paper, we consider the optimal joint resource allocation problem of subcarrier and power for non-real time wireless networks that use visible light communication (VLC) technology. VLC has been recognized as a promising technology as it allows to transmit data in considerably higher orders of magnitude compared to traditional radio frequency (RF) methods [3]. Therefore, it is expected that most of the current existing protocols for resource allocation using traditional RF technologies will adapt to VLC technology in the near future. We model the resource allocation problem by means of a mixed integer nonlinear optimization problem that we further linearize using a piecewise linear approximation method. The latter allows to compute optimal and near optimal solutions for the problem. Optimal solutions can be obtained as long as the number of line segments is sufficiently large. Subsequently, we propose a variable neighborhood search based decomposition procedure that allows to compute, in average, tight near optimal solutions in less than one second compared to the high CPU time required by the piecewise linear model.