A Review of Hybrid VLC/RF Networks: Features, Applications, and Future Directions

Abstract

The expectation for communication systems beyond 5G/6G is to provide high reliability, high throughput, low latency, and high energy efficiency services. The integration between systems based on radio frequency (RF) and visible light communication (VLC) promises the design of hybrid systems capable of addressing and largely satisfying these requirements. Hybrid network design enables complementary cooperation without interference between the two technologies, thereby increasing the overall system data rate, improving load balancing, and reducing non-coverage areas. VLC/RF hybrid networks can offer reliable and efficient communication solutions for Internet of Things (IoT) applications such as smart lighting, location-based services, home automation, smart healthcare, and industrial IoT. Therefore, hybrid VLC/RF networks are key technologies for next-generation communication systems. In this paper, a comprehensive state-of-the-art study of hybrid VLC/RF networks is carried out, divided into four areas. First, indoor scenarios are studied considering lighting requirements, hybrid channel models, load balancing, resource allocation, and hybrid network topologies. Second, the characteristics and implementation of these hybrid networks in outdoor scenarios with adverse conditions are analyzed. Third, we address the main applications of hybrid VLC/RF networks in technological, economic, and socio-environmental domains. Finally, we outline the main challenges and future research lines of hybrid VLC/RF networks.

A Review of Cognitive Hybrid Radio Frequency/Visible Light Communication Systems for Wireless Sensor Networks

“…Security and privacy remain paramount concerns in the development of cognitive hybrid RF/VLC systems. Developing strategies that leverage the high security features of optical wireless communication technologies is essential [ 66 ]. Moreover, interference management is a critical area, necessitating the development of effective strategies, possibly leveraging machine learning techniques, to manage the dynamic nature of wireless environments [ 63 ].…”

“…Does not discuss the robustness and resilience of the proposed architecture. [66] Comprehensive state-of-the-art study of hybrid VLC/RF networks. Discusses indoor and outdoor scenarios, and applications in IoT.…”

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-Assisted Terahertz–Visible Light Communication Systems: An In-Depth Performance Analysis

“…Several studies have been conducted on the interoperability of different communication technologies using DF relay architecture. In terms of VLC, this is often combined with RF, FSO, or PLC [7,9,10]. In [4], the authors conduct an examination of hybrid RF/VLC systems, emphasizing the integration of RF and VLC technologies.…”