IEEE 802.15.7: Visible light communication standard

Abstract

Visible light communications (VLC) use the visible spectrum (wavelengths of 390-750 nm or frequency band of 400-790 THz) and provide wireless communication using omnipresent light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Since the human eye perceives only the average intensity when light changes fast enough, it is possible to transmit data using LEDs without a noticeable effect on the lighting output and the human eye. Simultaneous use of LEDs for both lighting and communications purposes is a sustainable and energy-efficient approach that has the potential to revolutionize how we use light. VLC can be used in a wide range of short- and medium-range communication applications including wireless local, personal, and body area networks (WLAN, WPAN, and WBANs), vehicular networks, and machine-to-machine communication among many others. Besides energy efficiency, VLC offer several other inherent advantages over radio frequency (RF)-based counterparts, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, operation on unlicensed bands, additional physical security, and a high degree of spatial confinement allowing a high reuse factor.