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Optimizing direct-modulated laser LiFi systems for hospital environments through simulation-driven analysis of BER,
Ajay Sharma1, Lalit Garg1,2, Peter A Xuereb1
1Department of Computer Information Systems, University of Malta Faculty of Information and Communications Technology, L-Imsida, MSD2080, Malta.
Open Research Europe
|May 1, 2026
Summary
Direct-Modulated Laser (DML)-based Light Fidelity (LiFi) offers a high-throughput, interference-free wireless solution for hospitals. Optimized LiFi systems show potential for reliable communication, exceeding benchmarks in simulated environments.
Area of Science:
- Optical Wireless Communications
- Biomedical Engineering
- Information Technology
Background:
- Modern hospitals need reliable wireless systems for critical applications like telemetry and EHR synchronization.
- Traditional radio frequency (RF) systems face limitations in electromagnetic interference (EMI) compliance, spectrum availability, and security.
- Direct-Modulated Laser (DML)-based Light Fidelity (LiFi) presents a viable alternative using visible light for high-speed, secure communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize a DML-LiFi system configuration for hospital environments.
- To evaluate the theoretical performance and parameter sensitivity of LiFi in idealized indoor settings.
- To establish a framework for future experimental studies on LiFi deployment in healthcare.
Main Methods:
- Developed a four-parameter optimization framework for DML-LiFi systems.
- Analyzed system performance under idealized, line-of-sight conditions.
- Investigated the impact of launch power, modulation index, beam divergence, and receiver aperture on performance metrics.
Main Results:
- Achieved a Bit Error Rate (BER) well below the benchmark, with a Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) of approximately 74.94 dB and a Q-factor of 18.84 at 25 meters.
- Identified optimal parameters: launch powers ≥ +5 dBm beyond 15m, modulation indices of 0.8-1.0, narrow beam divergences (1-2 mrad), and receiver apertures of 4-6 mm.
- Demonstrated substantial analytical performance margins in a best-case scenario.
Conclusions:
- The proposed DML-LiFi optimization framework provides a theoretical basis for link-budget feasibility in hospital settings.
- Results represent an upper-bound performance, highlighting the need for further research into real-world deployment challenges.
- Future studies should address mobility, signal blockage, ambient light interference, EMI, and eye safety for practical LiFi implementation in hospitals.
