Demonstrating a hybrid radio-over-fibre and visible light communication system

Visible light communication (VLC) using white LEDs is emerging as a key technology for ubiquitous communication systems and has some advantages over the radio frequency counterpart, such as high bandwidth density, licence-free spectrum, security, cost-effectiveness, low energy consumption and dual use (i.e. they simultaneously allow for both data communication and illumination). In this reported work, the integration of radio-over-fibre and VLC technologies, into a hybrid system for indoor communication, is experimentally demonstrated. The system, realised according to the IEEE 802.11g standard, works effectively at typical office luminance level.