An Introduction to LiFi and Review of Prototypes Designed on FPGA and Other Hardware

Abstract

The current wireless networks are highly deficient when it comes to catering to the needs of the modern world with applications such as IoT and online interactive gaming. LiFi (visible light communication) has attracted interest as a solution to this problem due to its high data rate, wider spectrum, low power consumption, higher security, lower cost, and immunity to EMI. The idea behind LiFi is to use LED lights already available for space lighting for the purpose of transmitting. The chapter begins with a brief introduction to LiFI and then takes the reader through the history and market status of the technology all the way through to popular modulation techniques and finally ends with summarizing the transceiver prototypes designed previously with special emphasis on FPGA-based prototypes. The chapter provides a starting point for young budding researchers interested in LiFi and its implementation.