Reduced Multiuser-Interference for Vehicular VLC Using SDMA and Matrix Headlights

Abstract

We investigate a novel approach of utilizing modern Adaptive Front-Lighting System (AFS) to reduce multiuser interference in Vehicular Visible Light Communications (V-VLC) by applying Space-Division Multiple Access (SDMA). V-VLC is a promising technology that can complement Radio Frequency (RF) communications to fulfill the high reliability and low latency requirements of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). To achieve this, however, limitations of bandwidth efficiency and multiuser interference need to be addressed. A possible solution is to take advantage of SDMA, which allows spatial reuse of the resources and a simple but efficient multiple access method. State-of-the-art AFS, consisting of multiple controllable Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) with sharply separated radiation patterns, offer a great opportunity to implement SDMA. Therefore, we investigate the applicability of an AFS-based SDMA system for V-VLC and compare its communication performance with a common LED-based high beam. Simulation results show that our system can be used to reduce multiuser interference in V-VLC.