Reliable V2V networks via LED-based Li-Fi technology for road safety applications

Abstract

Road traffic accidents remain a significant global challenge, causing substantial loss of life and severe injuries annually. This research proposes a vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication system based on light fidelity (Li-Fi) technology to enhance road safety through low-latency and reliable optical wireless communication. The proposed approach utilizes visible light communication, where light-emitting diodes (LEDs) integrated into vehicle headlights and tail lights act as optical transmitters, while photodiodes installed on receiving vehicles detect transmitted signals. Manchester coding is employed to improve signal integrity by reducing noise effects and enhancing reliable data transmission. The developed system was evaluated through simulation analysis and experimental validation using a hardware prototype and digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) measurements. The results demonstrate successful transmission and reception of digital data with low error rates and consistent agreement between simulation and practical outcomes. The prototype achieved reliable communication over a distance of 15 cm, with performance influenced primarily by transmitter–receiver separation, light intensity, and photodiode sensitivity. The findings confirm that Li-Fi-based V2V communication is a promising, cost-effective, energy-efficient, and low-latency solution for future intelligent transportation systems. Further improvements using LED arrays, advanced modulation techniques, and signal processing methods can extend communication range and enhance system robustness for real-world applications.