International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056

Volume: 08 Issue: 06 | June 2021 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

Data Transmission using Visible Light Communication (Li-Fi)

Sonu V Abraham1, Ms S nagarathinam2, Yogeswaran A3
1,3Student, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology,
Coimbatore, India
2Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Kumaraguru College of Technology,

Coimbatore, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***----------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - In an era of wireless communication, a large
number of devices are using the radio frequency range and
due to this, congestion and interference occur. For
instance, a wind turbine currently transfers ten terabytes
of data every day. An excellent set of this computerized
information is transferred from a supply to recipient
crossing over huge separations, and this operation from
beginning to end includes a foreign interface that uses the
ability of the RF spectrum to transfer data. It is assumed
that by 2025, we are going to use 44 zettabytes of data.
This adds up to the sum of total bits on the world as same
Fig.1 Electromagnetic spectrum
as the total count of stars present in the universe.
Machines will generate this much information during their Figure 1 illustrates a portion of the electromagnetic
operation. Under the specific circumstance, it is assumed spectrum with the optical range highlighted. Optical
that there will be around eighty billion Internet-of-Things wireless communication (OWC) systems have several
(IoT) gadgets by the year 2028. This project aims to create technological and operational advantages, including low
a wireless VLC device that can send data (video, text) power consumption, much higher bandwidth capability,
between two computers using visible light. Li-Fi strong security, electromagnetic interference immunity,
technology is used to transfer the information utilizing and tolerant spectrum. The transmitter in this paper is an
visible light correspondence with light-emitting diodes LED (Light Emitting Diode), the transmitting medium is
(LED). Signals are transferred from one system to the next air, and the signal receiving unit is an effective Photodiode.
using LEDs for transmission and Photodiodes for the The requirement for wireless data connectivity has risen
reception. This is a significantly more secure strategy for exponentially over the last few years. Wireless
the transmission of data compared with existing communication using the radio frequency spectrum, which
innovations. Recognizable Visible Light Communication has been the most prominent up until now, has resulted in
(VLC) has expanded extraordinarily for the last decade spectrum congestion [1]. The introduction of visible light
due to the development in the manufacturing of the Light communication opens up a whole new world of
Emitting Diodes (LEDs). In this project, the video signal is possibilities for future computer communication. To begin
transmitted by using the Li-Fi transmitter with the power with, the visible light spectrum bandwidth, which spans
of Light. The sufficient, persistent, and long life of LEDs 430 THz to 750 THz, is significantly greater than the radio
make them a piece of promising private lighting frequency spectrum bandwidth, which spans 3 kHz to 300
equipment and an alternative way to exchange data and GHz, because of the increased bandwidth, it is possible to
information in the fast-moving world. This project will be transmit data at a much faster rate and can handle a
used for communicating information and measuring its greater number of users [2]. Second, under certain areas,
efficiency in terms of data fidelity, speed, and cost in such as space stations, hospitals, and mines, radio
comparison with other communication media. frequency (electromagnetic waves) can be life-
threatening, while visible light, as an efficient means of
Key Words: IOT, Visible Light Communication, Li-Fi, LED
life, is safe[3]. Third, light sources are abundant and
1. INTRODUCTION sufficient, and once replaced with LED lamps, they can
serve as transmitters as well as light sources [4]. This
VLC (Visible Light Communication) is the transmission of ensures a plentiful supply of visible light communication
data using visible light from the electromagnetic systems at a low cost to introduce. Finally, unlike radio
spectrum's (300 GHz -30 PHz) (Peta Hertz) portion, which waves, light cannot pass through walls, so the data cannot
comprises the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet bands. be received by a receiver on the other side of the wall [5].
Since information is not broadcast for external sources to
receive, this property of light improves security. The
advancement of this technology is still in its development.

© 2021, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.529 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 55
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 08 Issue: 06 | June 2021 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

In Japan, more recent work started in 2004. A broadband

networking system for indoor applications was proposed
in a 2008 research paper [6]. “A visible light
communication device capable of transmitting data at 500
Mbit/s was developed in 2009 as part of a research
project” [7].

However, proper commercialization of this technology is

several years away. LEDs, in addition to their lighting Fig.2 Block Diagram for data transmission between two PCs
powers, use relatively little power and have very fast using Visible Light Communication.
switching rates, with frequency fluctuations so fast that
they are undetectable to the naked eye. The goal of this The PC is attached to the Microcontroller, which is
review is to use Li-Fi to create a visual communication link connected to the white LED at the transmission end. The
between two mediums. In this article, a basic device with Microcontroller causes the LED to flicker rapidly at a rate
two microprocessors (PCIn16f877a), a White LED undetectable to the human eye [8], while simultaneously
(transmitter), and a Photodiode (receiver) is transmitting data. The fast blinking of LEDs generates
implemented. An application developed in .Net is fluctuations of varying durations [9]. The Photodiode is
developed since processors alone are insufficient in attached to the controller, which is connected to the PC2 at
handling large amounts of data. The user will send a text the receiving end. The Photodiode detects the LED's rapid
or a video file to the transmission end of this device. The flickering. Using the application program, the length of the
microprocessor decodes the data and sends it to the LED pulses produced by the flickering is determined by the .net
in different intensities, causing the LED to flicker at a program and the controller itself. HIGH and LOW pulses
faster rate that is undetectable to the naked eye. It depicts are separated based on their durations, and a binary bit
flashes of 1s and 0s by changing the intensity of light from stream is formed. The Li-Fi Application receives this bit
a higher to a lower range. The Photodiode receives the stream for further processing and output generation.
transmitted data as a bitstream, which is decoded back to When dealing with huge amounts of data that can be
its original form by the microprocessor at the receiving processed by the program, the processor faces many
end. The .Net application will assist the microprocessor in limitations. As a result, the receiver program is used to
signal processing by translating the 0s and 1s into display the decoded output.
its equivalent data, which will be used to create the
originally transmitted video signal. 2.1 Transmitter

System Design Objectives: A personal computer (PC 1) is used on the transmitter side
of the VLC system. The program for Hyper terminals and
● Achieve high-speed wireless data transmission. the. Net application software must be mounted on PC 1 for
the device to run smoothly. This PC acts as a data source in
● Build a wireless communication network using this system.
existing light infrastructure for reliable and low-cost
communication.

● Empowering the Internet of Things (IoT) across

multiple devices (multiple times more gadgets).

2. System Model

The design and structure of a system model (as shown in

fig.2). The device consists of two PCs, one on the end of the
transmission, the other on the end of the receiver, two pic Fig.3 Transmitter Section Block Diagram
16f877a microcontrollers on both ends, one white LED on
the transmitter, and a Photodiode on the end of the The functional block diagram of the transmitter segment is
receiver. shown in Figure 3. A Microcontroller (PIC 16f877a) is
attached to PC 1 by a UART cable. In order to provide the
voltage needed to move the white LED effectively, an LED
(Light Emitting Diode) Driver circuit is connected in series
with it. The LED's Enable signal is attached to the
Controller board's digital PIN 18 (Port-C). .Net
programming aims to take a user's input and send the
corresponding input data. To allow the transfer of input
data, an interface is created between the Application and

© 2021, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.529 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 56
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 08 Issue: 06 | June 2021 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

the Controller. The first step is to build a serial port object 3: RECEIVE THE DATA INPUT FROM PC1.
(s) for the Controller's serial port COM6. 9600 bits per
second is the Baud Rate, which refers to the amount of 4: CONVERT IT INTO ITS RESPECTIVE ASCII VALUE.
signal or symbol shifts per second. The PIC Controller's
UART port is then attached to the serial port object. The 5: GENERATE THE RESPECTIVE BINARY BITS FROM THE
application receives video input from the user and ASCII VALUE.
transfers it to the Controller's IDE. A software-written
6: TRANSMIT THE BITS BY FLASHING THE LED FOR
machine code receives the embedded video data and
DIFFERENT DURATIONS USING PWM.
decodes it into its ASCII value before generating the binary
bit stream. To begin, the Controller board's PIN 17 (Port- 7: WRITE A HIGH OR A LOW VALUE TO THE PIN TO
C) has been specified and configured as an output. For WHICH THE LED IS CONNECTED.
serial communication, the baud rate is set to 9600 bits per
second. The number of bits (characters) available for 8: STOP.
reading from the serial port is determined, and the serial
data received is read. The digital pin 17 receives a HIGH or 2. 2 Receiver
LOW value. The length of the pulse is varying according to
the bit stream, which is applied using pulse width A PIC Controller board is connected to PC 2 via a UART
modulation (PWM). For example, if the cable. A Photodiode is connected to the analog pin of the
transmitting signal is 101, one high pulse would be Controller in order to receive the output from the sensor.
emitted for bit 1, a low pulse for bit 0, and another high The Photodiode is positioned within 5 meters of the LED
pulse for the least significant bit 1. For high pulse=1, a to ensure a clear line of sight between them. As its junction
specific delay is given. Similarly, for low pulse=0 a voltage varies with differences in the amount of light
separate delay is given. As a result, data is transmitted as incident on it, the Photodiode senses the rapid flickering of
the LED rapidly flickers in response to the varying the LED when transmitting 0 (Low) or 1 (High) as seen in
durations of delay offered for the high and low pulses. Fig 4.
Natural eye identifies outlines each 1/tenth of a second.

1) Algorithm: The algorithm for the transmitter is shown

below [12], [13].

2.1.1 ALGORITHM 1 - ALGORITHM FOR MATLAB AT

TRANSMISSION END
Fig.4 Receiver Section Block Diagram
1: START.
The incoming (HIGH or LOW) pulses to the RC7 (Port
2: PERFORM INTERFACING WITH CONTROLLER. C) pin are read using a predefined library feature
pulseIn(). The width or length of the pulses in
3: TAKE AN USER INPUT IN THE FORM OF FILE (VIDEO,
microseconds is returned by this function. With the aid of
TEXT).
pulseIn(), two-time length ranges can be accessed. Since
4: TRANSMIT THE FILE INPUT TO PIC CONTROLLER specific delays or pulse durations for high and low pulses
(16f877a). have been set at the transmitter end, the LED glows with a
certain intensity when a high pulse is transmitted and a
5: STOP. different intensity when a low pulse is transmitted. This
frequency difference can be detected by the Photodiode.
Software application takes the user data input and passes After obtaining the time interval of the received pulses
the data to the interfaced PIC Controller IDE. PIC converts using pulseIn(), the high and low pulses can be quickly
each input into its equivalent binary (0/1) output. identified using a conditional if-else statement in which
pulses with longer durations are classified as high pulse=1
2) PIC Controller Algorithm: Controller algorithm for the and pulses with shorter durations are treated as low
transmitter is shown below [14], [15]. pulse=0. A binary bit stream of 0 and 1 is produced after
obtaining the high and low pulses. The collected bit stream
2.1.2 Algorithm 2 Algorithm for PIC IDE at the is then moved on to produce an output in the form of bits
Transmission end that is similar to the user's input. Application software
receives a bit stream at the receiving end. This obtained
1: START. bit stream is used to extract data. The whole stream of bits
is stored in a vector form after a loop is started. This code
2: CONFIGURE THE PIN TO WHICH THE LED IS is then decoded in order to translate the string of bits into
CONNECTED TO BEHAVE AS AN OUTPUT. data. At the receiving end, the transmitted bit stream is

© 2021, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.529 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 57
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 08 Issue: 06 | June 2021 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

processed in a single column. A predefined library

function reshape() is used to retrieve the transmitted
stream of bits in a single one-dimensional sequence. There
is one more issue to be managed. The communicated bit
stream received the backward request. Assume the
sending bit stream is 100 then it will be received as 001 at
the less than desirable end. So the received bit stream
should be switched to get the right yield. Using the
predefined fliplr() module, the string is inverted. The
program receives the decoded information in order to
replicate the data from the received bits of the signal. This
aggregated data is saved as a video file in PC2 which can
be displayed on the PC, resulting in a faithful replication of
the signal on display (PC2).

2.2.1Algorithm 3: Algorithm at the Receiver end.

Fig. 5. Generated pulses at the receiver end
1: START.

2: INTERFACE THE COMPUTER WITH PIC

MICROCONTROLLER.

3: CONFIGURE THE PIN TO WHICH THE Photodiode IS

CONNECTED TO BEHAVE AS AN OUTPUT.

4: READ THE PULSES ON THE PIN TO WHICH THE

Photodiode IS CONNECTED AND RETURN THE WIDTH OF
THE PULSES IN MICROSECONDS.

5: CHECK THE CONDITION FOR DETERMINING WHETHER

PULSE IS HIGH OR LOW.

6: DECODE THE BITS (HIGH OR LOW) RECEIVED INTO ITS Fig.6 (a) Hardware Section of Transmitter
EQUIVALENT DATA.

7: STORE THE REPRODUCED DATA INTO PC2.

8: STOP.

RESULT

A model was planned effectively and built to exhibit Data

correspondence between two PCs. The goal was to build
up an apparent light correspondence framework that
communicates and gets Data like video, text over the light
range. The distance between the LED and the Photodiode
was set between 5 - 8 meters. A pictorial portrayal of a
Pulse Width Modulated (PWM) signal created at the Fig.6 (b) Hardware Section of Receiver.
collector end of the Controller portraying the transmission
and gathering of information, is shown below. The pulses CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE
created for one character are shown in Figure 5. A HIGH
Li-Fi technology aims to have a quicker, simpler, greener,
pulse denotes binary "1," while a LOW pulse denotes
better, and healthier future for wireless networking
binary "0."
systems as the electromagnetic spectrum becomes more
crowded. When this model is completely developed, each
light source will be used as a LiFi entry point, implying
that anywhere there is an LED light bulb, there will be a
data transmission service happening as well. We expect to
see Li-Fi combined with other wireless complementary
technology to create a modern powerful computing

© 2021, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.529 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 58
 International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 08 Issue: 06 | June 2021 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072

network within a few years. Under this forthcoming [8] N. V. Swam “Li-Fi (light fidelity) – the changing
integration, every device large enough to mount a LED and scenario of wireless communication” IJRET: International
a light sensor can be connected and powered by LiFi. This Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology,
paper highlights LiFi's cutting-edge growth and Volume: 04 Issue: 03 2015.
technological capabilities, as well as the obstacles that
remain for a fully integrated LiFi network. Since the [9] R. Sridhar, R. Richard D., Lim Sang-Kyu , “IEEE 802.15.7
primary focus of current research is on the development visible light communication: modulation schemes and
of appropriate modulation techniques for use in LiFi dimming support”, IEEE Communications Magazine,
systems, we have found it necessary to underline in this Volume: 50 Issue: 3, March 2012.
paper a few of the most competitive advances to date.
[10] R.R Sharma, A. Sanganal, P. Sandhya “Implementation
In the future, this paper might be applied with a high- of a simple Li-Fi based system” IJCAT - International
performance microcontroller capable of decoding data at a Journal of Computing and Technology, Volume 1, Issue 9,
faster pace, giving the consumer a broader spectrum of October 2014.
bandwidth and enabling them to transmit data at a faster
rate without compromising on security. [11] W. Qing, G. Domenico, D. Puccinelli “OpenVLC:
Software-defined visible light embedded networks”,
REFERENCES Proceeding VLCS '14 Proceedings of the 1st ACM MobiCom
workshop on VLC systems pages 15-20, 2014.
[1] T. Komine and M. Nakagawa, Fundamental Analysis for
Visible-Light Communication System Using LED Lights, [12] S. Schmid, T. Richner, S. Mangold, B. Switzerland, R.
IEEE Transactions on Consumer Electronics, Vol. 50, no. 1, Thomas Gross, “EnLighting: An Indoor Visible Light
pp. 100-107, February 2004. Communication System Based on Networked Light Bulbs”.
Sensing, Communication, and Networking (SECON), 2016
[2] Safaa Alaa Eldeen Hamza, Dr. Amin Babiker , A Nabi 13th Annual IEEE International Conference in 2016.
Mustafa, The Use Of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
Technique in LED Lighting Systems, International Journal [13] A. Jovicic, T. J. Richardson, J. Li “Method and
Of Science and Research(IJSR), ISSN(Online):2319- 7064, apparatus for power efficient joint dimming and visible
Khartoum, Sudan. light communication”, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/767,952, Feb. 22, 2013.
[3] Minseok Oh, A Flicker Mitigation Modulation Scheme
for Visible Light Communication, Advanced [14] S. Schmid, M. Gorlatova, D. Giustiniano, V.
Communication Technology (ICACT), 2013 15th Vukadinovic, S. Mangold, “Networking Smart Toys with
International Conference, ISSN :1738-9445, Suwon,Korea, Wireless ToyBridge and ToyTalk, Poster Session Infocom
January 2013. 2011 Springer International Publishing.

[4] Jitesh Nagdev,Dipesh Sher,Rohit Nathan,Gaurav [15] M. V. Bhalerao, S. S. Sonavane,V. Kumar, A Survey of
Kalwani, Wireless Data Transfer Using Light Fidelity, Wireless Communication Using Visible Light, International
International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), India Journal of Advances in Engineering And Technology, Vol.
Online ISSN: 2319-7064, June 6 2013. 5, Issue 2, pp. 188-197 Jan 2013.

[5] Minseok Oh, A Flicker Mitigation Modulation Scheme [16] Dr K Sharma, A Mishra, Rajiv Saxena “Analog And
for Visible Light Communication, Advanced Digital Modulation Techniques Overview” Technia
Communication Technology (ICACT), 2013 15th International Journal of Computer Science and
International Conference, ISSN :1738-9445, Suwon,Korea, Communication Technology,Vol-3 July 2010.
January 2013.
[17] VanNTran, Robert Stuart, Hardik Bhavsar
[6] S. Chatterjee, S.Agarwal, A. Nath “Scope and Challenges “Phototransistor Switching Time Analysis” California
in Light Fidelity(LiFi) Technology in Wireless Data Eastern Laboratories, 2013 15th International Conference,
Communication”, International Journal of Innovative ISSN :1738-9445, Suwon,Korea, January 2013.
Research in Advanced Engineering (IJIRAE) ISSN: 2349-
2163 Issue 6, Volume 2 June 2015.

[7] S. Dimitrov, H. Haas, “Principles of LED Light

Communications Towards Networked Li-Fi. Cambridge
CB2 8BS, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press,
2015.

© 2021, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 7.529 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 59