High Data Rate Discrete Wavelet Transform-Based PLC-VLC Design for 5G Communication Systems

The hybrid power line communication (PLC) and visible light communication (VLC) systems can be effectively utilized for the efficient design of 5G communication setup. However, each of these integrated communication media is not primarily meant for the specific purpose of data communication, as PLC and VLC have historically served to transfer electrical energy transfer and light, respectively. With the advent of high flickering rate light emitting diodes and efficient multiplexing/modulation schemes, both technologies are observed as potential data communication carriers. Therefore, this paper presents a novel approach for modifying the modulation technique in accordance with the channel requirements of a hybrid PLC-VLC-based 5G communication systems. We provide a thorough analysis of the research work done to co-use these two technologies for data communication, suggest some exciting applications of integrated PLC-VLC systems and propose discrete wavelet transform (DWT)-based orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) to tune the physical parameters as per the hybrid channel characteristics. Theoretical and simulation bit-error-rate results exhibit that DWT-OFDM outperforms an OFDM-based PLC-VLC system. The proposed hybrid system can be used to design smart buildings where indoor/intra-building connectivity is maintained by VLC whereas inter-building networking based on PLC communication.