Network selection method based on MADM and VH-based multi-user access scheme for indoor VLC hybrid networks

Area of Science:

• Wireless Communication
• Optical Communication
• Network Engineering

Background:

• Visible Light Communication (VLC) using LEDs is gaining traction for indoor wireless networks.
• Existing VLC systems face challenges in multi-user access and network selection within hybrid environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel network selection method for multi-user VLC-based indoor hybrid networks.
• To introduce a virtual handover (VH)-based multi-user access scheme to enhance network performance.

Main Methods:

• A Multi-Attribute Decision Making (MADM) approach is used for network selection, integrating user preferences and objective network metrics.
• A virtual handover (VH) scheme with a 'backoff lock' concept is developed to manage user access requests across different channels.
• Analytical expressions for collision probability, access delay, and access success ratio are derived.

Main Results:

• The MADM-based network selection effectively aligns user requirements with objective network performance.
• The VH-based access scheme significantly reduces collision probability and access delay.
• The VH scheme demonstrably increases the access success ratio in VLC-based hybrid networks.

Conclusions:

• The proposed MADM network selection method is suitable for VLC-based hybrid networks.
• The VH-based multi-user access scheme enhances efficiency and reliability in VLC systems.
• The integrated approach optimizes the user experience in multi-user VLC environments.