Interference in multi-user optical wireless communications systems

Visible light communications (VLC) (including LiFi) represent a subset of the broader field of optical wireless communications. Where narrow beams, typical of free space optical communications are largely free from interference. VLC encompasses use cases involving combined illumination and data access and supporting a wireless access point (AP) model. The use of many units provides scaling of spatial coverage for both lighting and data access. However, AP replication in close proximity creates many interference challenges that motivate the investigation embodied in this paper. In particular, we frame the interference challenge in the context of existing strategies for driving improvements in link performance and consider the impacts of multiple users, multiple sources and multiple cells. Lastly, we review the state of existing research in this area and recommend areas for further study. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Optical wireless communication’.