Consolidating Multi-Criteria Visible-light Personal Network Coordinator Selection Process in Attocells

Visible Light Communication (IEEE 802.15.7) implements a centralized topology using a visible-light personal network coordinator (VPNC) for network access and data sharing. A VPNC is a user-device (UD) that is dynamically selected based on several parameters ranking its ability as the most capable device in the attocell network. Theoretical performance bounds of attocell networks based on the use of a coordinator have not been significantly explored in the literature. We investigate how various UD capabilities such as device lifetime, network stability, optical power receiving ability and coverage area to accommodate the maximum possible number of associated devices, can contribute towards the enhancement of the IEEE Std 802.15.7 VPNC selection criteria, and develop an enhanced process with new information elements (IEs) added to the VPNC selection criteria. The selection process is extended to use a greedy approach. Simulation results, supported by theoretical modelling, verify a 61% reduction in VPNC handovers, a 30% improved throughput and up to 40% reduction in power consumption when compared with the VPAN (Visible-light Personal Area Network) standard. The proposed enhancement features backward compatibility to the current standard.