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Visible light communication (VLC) builds upon the dual use of existing lighting infrastructure for wireless data transmission. VLC has recently gained interest as cost-effective, secure, and energy-efficient wireless access technology particularly for indoor user-dense environments. While initial studies in this area are mainly limited to single-user point-to-point links, more recent efforts have focused on multi-user VLC systems in an effort to transform VLC into a scalable and fully networked wireless technology. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of multi-user VLC systems discussing the recent advances on multi-user precoding, multiple access, resource allocation, and mobility management. We further provide possible directions of future research in this emerging topic., Comment: Version 3: Accepted for publication in IEEE Access, Nov. 2018

In this paper, we present a comprehensive channel modeling and characterization study for underwater visible light communications. Our study is based on the advanced ray tracing, which allows for an accurate description of the interaction of rays emitted from the lighting source within an underwater environment. Contrary to existing works, which are mainly limited to simplified underwater scenarios, i.e., empty sea, we take into account the presence of human and man-made objects to investigate the effects of shadowing and blockage. The reflection characteristics of the sea surface and sea bottom as well as the water characteristics, i.e., extinction coefficient and scattering phase function of particles, are precisely considered. As case studies, we consider various underwater scenarios with different transmitter/receiver specifications (i.e., viewing angle, aperture size) and different depths from the sea surface. For each environment, we obtain channel impulse responses and present a characterization study where channel parameters, such as channel DC gain, path loss, and delay spread, are obtained. publisher version

In this paper, underwater visible light communication (UWVLC) vertical links are modeled and evaluated, taking account of the inhomogeneous nature of underwater (UW) environment. An equivalent simplified model of stratified N layers is employed in which variations in refractive index and attenuation profiles across UW depth are considered. A generalized path loss expression is deduced which allows estimation of the vertical link loss prior to link design. Mathematical expressions of the received power for line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) links between transmitters (Tx) and receivers are deduced. We evaluate the performance by computing the received power and bit error rate for inhomogeneous underwater links. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the proposed models. Deviations from expected results when considering a homogeneous underwater model are discussed. A simple underwater bilayer model is then introduced, which is considered a rough approximate model in comparison to the stratified N layers model. This model assists in estimating the UW link behavior without extensive calculations. The conditions necessary for applying this model are discussed and justified. Moreover, the effects of Tx orientation along with narrowing the transmitted light cone on LOS and NLOS vertical links are examined. A Tx power saving of 30%-50% in UWVLC links is proved to be achieved by rotating the Tx and narrowing its emitted light cone. NPRP award from the Qatar National Research Fund (Qatar Foundation) Publisher version