Performance analysis of VLC-based underwater optical communication using polarization division multiplexing and advanced modulation techniques
-
Abhishek Sharma
Abstract
Underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) has emerged as a promising solution for high-speed, low-latency communication in underwater environments. This study investigates the performance of a visible light communication (VLC)-based UWOC system incorporating polarization division multiplexing (PDM) and advanced modulation schemes, including non-return-to-zero (NRZ) and return-to-zero (RZ). The system, utilizing red, green, and blue (RGB) wavelengths, was evaluated under three distinct environmental conditions: Pure Sea, Clear Ocean, and Coastal Ocean, each characterized by varying levels of attenuation due to differences in scattering and absorption coefficients. Through comprehensive simulations, key performance metrics such as bit error rate (BER), transmission range, and eye patterns were analyzed. Results reveal that RZ modulation consistently outperformed NRZ, providing superior signal clarity and lower BER across all conditions. Among the wavelengths, blue light demonstrated the best performance due to its lower susceptibility to attenuation, making it ideal for high-speed communication. These findings contribute to the development of robust UWOC systems for applications in environmental monitoring, underwater exploration, and autonomous vehicle communication.
-
Research ethics: Not applicable.
-
Informed consent: Not applicable.
-
Author contributions: The author has accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
-
Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
-
Conflict of interest: The author state no conflict of interest.
-
Research funding: None declared.
-
Data availability: Not applicable.
References
1. Zhang, X. An investigation on large capacity transmission technologies for UWOC systems. J Phys Conf 2021:012018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1920/1/012018.Search in Google Scholar
2. Sipani, J, Roy, D, Anees, S. On the performance of hybrid RF/UWOC system. In: 2021 4th International Conference on Advanced Communication Technologies and Networking (CommNet). Rabat, Morocco: IEEE; 2021:1–5 pp.10.1109/CommNet52204.2021.9641916Search in Google Scholar
3. Salam, R, Bohara, VA, Srivastava, A. Smart element allocation strategies for dynamic optical IRS in underwater wireless communication. IEEE Trans Veh Technol 2024:1–13. https://doi.org/10.1109/tvt.2024.3492284.Search in Google Scholar
4. Chaudhary, S. Performance investigation of a VLC-PDM based UWOC system under adverse underwater conditions with varying chlorophyll levels. Opt Commun 2024;573:131025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2024.131025.Search in Google Scholar
5. Ali, MF, Jayakody, DNK, Garg, S, Kaddoum, G, Hossain, MS. Dual-hop mixed FSO-VLC underwater wireless communication link. IEEE Trans Network Serv Manag 2022;19:3105–20. https://doi.org/10.1109/tnsm.2022.3181169.Search in Google Scholar
6. Ali, MF, Jayakody, DNK, Li, Y. Recent trends in underwater visible light communication (UVLC) systems. IEEE Access 2022;10:22169–225. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2022.3150093.Search in Google Scholar
7. Furqan Ali, M, Jayakody, DNK. SIMO-underwater visible light communication (UVLC) system. Comput Network 2023;232:109750. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comnet.2023.109750.Search in Google Scholar
8. Chen, C. Special issue on “visible light communication (VLC)”. Photonics 2022;9:284. https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9050284.Search in Google Scholar
9. Zhou, Z, Zhang, H, Lin, C, Sharma, A. Performance analysis of duobinary and CSRZ modulation based polarization interleaving for high-speed WDM-FSO transmission system. J Opt Commun 2022;43:147–52. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2018-0188.Search in Google Scholar
10. Sharma, A, Mishra, V, Singh, K, Malhotra, J. Hybrid RoF-RoFSO system for broadband services by incorporating polarization division multiplexing scheme. J Opt Commun 2023. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2023-0309.Search in Google Scholar
11. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Khichar, S, Shah, S, Ullah, R, Parnianifard, A, et al.. A salinity-impact analysis of polarization division multiplexing-based underwater optical wireless communication system with high-speed data transmission. J Sens Actuator Netw 2023;12:72. https://doi.org/10.3390/jsan12050072.Search in Google Scholar
12. Sharma, A, Mishra, V. Enhancing high-speed networks using RGB-based WLAN through Ro-FSO integration in the 5 GHz band. J Opt Commun 2023. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2023-0348.Search in Google Scholar
13. Sharma, A, Singh, K, Malhotra, J. High speed 60 Gbps RGB laser based-FSOC link by incorporating hybrid PDM-MIMO scheme for indoor applications. J Opt Commun 2023. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2023-0295.Search in Google Scholar
14. Li, L, Sharma, A. High speed RGB-based duobinary-encoded visible light communication system under the impact of turbulences. Front Phys 2022;10:944623. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2022.944623.Search in Google Scholar
15. Chi, N, Zhou, Y, Wei, Y, Hu, F. Visible light communication in 6G: advances, challenges, and prospects. IEEE Veh Technol Mag 2020;15:93–102. https://doi.org/10.1109/mvt.2020.3017153.Search in Google Scholar
16. Memedi, A, Dressler, F. Vehicular visible light communications: a survey. IEEE Commun Surv Tutorial 2020;23:161–81. https://doi.org/10.1109/comst.2020.3034224.Search in Google Scholar
17. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Singh, K, Khichar, S, Malhotra, J. Highly efficient photonic radar by incorporating MDM-WDM and machine learning classifiers under adverse weather conditions. PLoS One 2024;19:e0300653. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300653.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
18. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Naeem, MA, Meng, Y. Target detection in challenging environments: photonic radar with a hybrid multiplexing scheme for 5G autonomous vehicles. Sustainability 2024;16:991. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16030991.Search in Google Scholar
19. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Li, Q, Meng, Y, Malhotra, J. Enhancing sustainable transportation with advancements in photonic radar technology with MIMO and IIR filtering for adverse weather conditions. Sustainability 2024;16:5426. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16135426.Search in Google Scholar
20. Tang, T, Shang, T, Li, Q. Impact of multiple shadows on visible light communication channel. IEEE Commun Lett 2020;25:513–17. https://doi.org/10.1109/lcomm.2020.3031645.Search in Google Scholar
21. Katz, M, Ahmed, I. Opportunities and challenges for visible light communications in 6G. 2020 2nd 6G Wireless Summit (6G SUMMIT) 2020:1–5.10.1109/6GSUMMIT49458.2020.9083805Search in Google Scholar
22. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Khichar, S, Meng, Y, Malhotra, J. Enhancing autonomous vehicle navigation using SVM-based multi-target detection with photonic radar in complex traffic scenarios. Sci Rep 2024;14:17339. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66850-z.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
23. Sharma, A, Malhotra, J. Performance investigation of photonic radar for autonomous vehicles’ application under various degrading conditions. In: Rani A, Kumar B, Shrivastava V, Bansal RC, editors. Signals, machines and automation. SIGMA 2022. Lecture notes in electrical engineering. Singapore: Springer; 2023, vol. 1023.Search in Google Scholar
24. Sharma, A, Malhotra, J. Evaluating the effects of material reflectivity and atmospheric attenuation on photonic radar performance in free space optical channels. J Opt Commun 2023. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2023-0176.Search in Google Scholar
25. Sharma, A, Malhota, J. Performance investigation of photonic radar for autonomous vehicles’ application under various degrading conditions. Singapore; 2023:505–12 pp.10.1007/978-981-99-0969-8_52Search in Google Scholar
26. Khichar, S, Sasithong, P, Aung, HL, Sharma, A, Chaudhary, S, Santipach, W, et al.. MIMO-NOMA with mmWave transmission. In: Applications of 5G and beyond in smart cities 2023 May 29. London: CRC Press; 2023:153–68 pp.10.1201/9781003227861-10Search in Google Scholar
27. Ata, Y, Abumarshoud, H, Bariah, L, Muhaidat, S, Imran, MA. Intelligent reflecting surfaces for underwater visible light communications. IEEE Photon J 2023;15:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1109/jphot.2023.3235916.Search in Google Scholar
28. Ghonim, AM, Salama, WM, El-Fikky, AE-RA, Khalaf, AA, Shalaby, HM. Underwater localization system based on visible-light communications using neural networks. Appl Opt 2021;60:3977–88. https://doi.org/10.1364/ao.419494.Search in Google Scholar PubMed
29. Sun, X, Kang, CH, Kong, M, Alkhazragi, O, Guo, Y, Ouhssain, M, et al.. A review on practical considerations and solutions in underwater wireless optical communication. J Lightwave Technol 2020;38:421–31. https://doi.org/10.1109/jlt.2019.2960131.Search in Google Scholar
30. Singh, M, Kříž, J, Kamruzzaman, M, Dhasarathan, V, Sharma, A, Abd El-Mottaleb, SA. Design of a high-speed OFDM-SAC-OCDMA-based FSO system using EDW codes for supporting 5G data services and smart city applications. Front Phys 2022;10:934848. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2022.934848.Search in Google Scholar
31. Sharma, A, Malhotra, J. Performance enhancement of photonic radar sensor for detecting multiple targets by incorporating mode division multiplexing. Opt Quant Electron 2022;54:410. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-022-03812-7.Search in Google Scholar
32. Sharma, A, Malhotra, J. Simulative investigation of FMCW based optical photonic radar and its different configurations. Opt Quant Electron 2022;54:233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-022-03578-y.Search in Google Scholar
33. Sharma, A, Chaudhary, S, Malhotra, J, Saadi, M, Al Otaibi, S, Wuttisittikulkij, L. Speed-direction sensing under multiple vehicles scenario using photonic radars. CMC-Comput Mater Continua 2022;73:5399–410. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2022.031173.Search in Google Scholar
34. Sharma, A, Chaudhary, S, Malhotra, J, Parnianifard, A, Wuttisittikulkij, L. Measurement of target range and Doppler shift by incorporating PDM-enabled FMCW-based photonic radar. Optik 2022;262:169191. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2022.169191.Search in Google Scholar
35. Sharma, A, Chaudhary, S, Malhotra, J, Khichar, S, Wuttisittikulkij, L. Photonic sensor for multiple targets detection under adverse weather conditions in autonomous vehicles. J Sens Actuator Netw 2022;11:60. https://doi.org/10.3390/jsan11040060.Search in Google Scholar
36. Chaudhary, S, Wuttisittikulkij, L, Nebhen, J, Sharma, A, Rodriguez, DZ, Kumar, S. Terabyte capacity-enabled (10 x 400 Gbps) Is-OWC system for long-haul communication by incorporating dual polarization quadrature phase shift key and mode division multiplexing scheme. PLoS One 2022;17:e0265044. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265044.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
37. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Khichar, S, Tang, X, Wei, X, Wuttisittikulkij, L. High resolution-based coherent photonic radar sensor for multiple target detections. J Sens Actuator Netw 2022;11:49. https://doi.org/10.3390/jsan11030049.Search in Google Scholar
38. Zhang, C, Liang, P, Nebhen, J, Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Malhotra, J, et al.. Performance analysis of mode division multiplexing-based free space optical systems for healthcare infrastructure’s. Opt Quant Electron 2021;53:1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-021-03167-5.Search in Google Scholar
39. Sharma, A, Malhotra, J, Chaudhary, S, Thappa, V. Analysis of 2 × 10 Gbps MDM enabled inter satellite optical wireless communication under the impact of pointing errors. Optik 2021;227:165250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2020.165250.Search in Google Scholar
40. Sharma, A, Chaudhary, S, Malhotra, J, Saadi, M, Otaibi, SA, Nebhen, J, et al.. A cost-effective photonic radar under adverse weather conditions for autonomous vehicles by incorporating frequency modulated direct detection scheme. Front Phys 2021:467.10.3389/fphy.2021.747598Search in Google Scholar
41. Wang, F, Yu, J, Wang, Y, Li, W, Zhu, B, Ding, J, et al.. Delivery of polarization-division-multiplexing wireless millimeter-wave signal over 4.6-km at W-band. J Lightwave Technol 2022;40:6339–46.10.1109/JLT.2022.3195542Search in Google Scholar
42. Chvojka, P, Burton, A, Pesek, P, Li, X, Ghassemlooy, Z, Zvanovec, S, et al.. Visible light communications: increasing data rates with polarization division multiplexing. Opt Lett 2020;45:2977–80. https://doi.org/10.1364/ol.392167.Search in Google Scholar
43. Yan, W, Wu, B, Jiang, X, Huang, Y, Wen, F, Qiu, K. Polarization-dependent loss measurement on mode division multiplexing system for optimal transmission of high-speed dual-polarization signals. Opt Laser Technol 2024;174:110627. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2024.110627.Search in Google Scholar
44. González‐Andrade, D, Le Roux, X, Aubin, G, Amar, F, Nguyen, THN, Nuño Ruano, P, et al.. Spatial and polarization division multiplexing harnessing on‐chip optical beam forming. Laser Photon Rev 2023;17:2300298. https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202300298.Search in Google Scholar
45. Qi, Z, Zhao, X, Pompili, D. Polarized OFDM-based pulse position modulation for high-speed wireless optical underwater communications. IEEE Trans Commun 2023. https://doi.org/10.1109/tcomm.2023.3315313.Search in Google Scholar
46. Raj, AAB, Krishnan, P, Darusalam, U, Kaddoum, G, Ghassemlooy, Z, Abadi, MM, et al.. A review–unguided optical communications: developments, technology evolution, and challenges. Electron 2023;12:1922. https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics12081922.Search in Google Scholar
47. Kumar, A, Krishnan, P. RoFSO system based on BCH and RS coded BPSK OFDM for 5G applications in smart cities. Opt Quant Electron 2021;54:18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-021-03392-y.Search in Google Scholar
48. Chaudhary, S, Wuttisittikulkij, L, Saadi, M, Sharma, A, Al Otaibi, S, Nebhen, J, et al.. Coherent detection-based photonic radar for autonomous vehicles under diverse weather conditions. PLoS One 2021;16:e0259438. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0259438.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
49. Chaudhary, S, Wuttisittikulkij, L, Nebhen, J, Tang, X, Saadi, M, Al Otaibi, S, et al.. Hybrid MDM-PDM based ro-FSO system for broadband services by incorporating donut modes under diverse weather conditions. Front Phys 2021;9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphy.2021.756232.Search in Google Scholar
50. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Tang, X, Wei, X, Sood, P. A cost effective 100 Gbps FSO system under the impact of fog by incorporating OCDMA-PDM scheme. Wireless Pers Commun 2021;116:2159–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11277-020-07784-3.Search in Google Scholar
51. Sharma, A, Malhotra, J, Chaudhary, S, Thappa, V. Analysis of 2 × 10 Gbps MDM enabled inter satellite optical wireless communication under the impact of pointing errors. Optik 2020:165250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2020.165250.Search in Google Scholar
52. Sharma, A, Chaudhary, S, Thakur, D, Dhasratan, V. A cost-effective high-speed radio over fibre system for millimeter wave applications. J Opt Commun 2020;41:177–80. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2017-0166.Search in Google Scholar
53. Shakthi Murugan, KH, Sharma, A, Malhotra, J. Performance analysis of 80 Gbps Ro-FSO system by incorporating hybrid WDM-MDM scheme. Opt Quant Electron 2020;52:505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-020-02613-0.Search in Google Scholar
54. Sharma, A, Parmar, A, Sood, P, Dhasratan, V, Guleria, C. Performance analysis of free space optics and inter-satellite communicating system using multiplexing techniques – a review. J Opt Commun 2019. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2018-0107.Search in Google Scholar
55. Chaudhary, S, Thakur, D, Sharma, A. 10 gbps-60 GHz RoF transmission system for 5 G applications. J Opt Commun 2019;40:281–4. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2017-0079.Search in Google Scholar
56. Chaudhary, S, Tang, X, Sharma, A, Lin, B, Wei, X, Parmar, A. A cost-effective 100 Gbps SAC-OCDMA–PDM based inter-satellite communication link. Opt Quant Electron 2019;51:148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11082-019-1864-2.Search in Google Scholar
57. Kaur, H, Grewal, NS. Performance enhancement of visible light communication (VLC) system incorporating WMZCC‐OCDMA codes and PDM‐QPSK‐DSP data encoding. Int J Commun Syst 2023;36:e5355. https://doi.org/10.1002/dac.5355.Search in Google Scholar
58. Dhaam, HZ, Ali, FM. Optical GFDM for indoor visible light communication: a comprehensive review and future outlook. J Opt 2024:1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12596-024-02061-z.Search in Google Scholar
59. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Singh, V. Optimization of high speed and long haul inter-satellite communication link by incorporating differential phase shift key and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing scheme. Optik 2019;176:185–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2018.09.037.Search in Google Scholar
60. Chaudhary, S, Kapoor, R, Sharma, A. Empirical evaluation of 4 QAM and 4 PSK in OFDM-based inter-satellite communication system. J Opt Commun 2019;40:143–7. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2017-0059.Search in Google Scholar
61. Chaudhary, S, Chauhan, P, Sharma, A. High speed 4 × 2.5 Gbps-5 GHz AMI-WDM-RoF transmission system for WLANs. J Opt Commun 2019;40:285–8. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2017-0082.Search in Google Scholar
62. Zhou, Z, Zhang, H, Lin, C, Sharma, A. Performance analysis of duobinary and CSRZ modulation based polarization interleaving for high-speed WDM-FSO transmission system. J Opt Commun 2018;1.10.1515/joc-2018-0188Search in Google Scholar
63. Sood, P, Sharma, A, Chandni. Analysis of FSO system and its challenges–A review. Int J Comput Appl 2018;179:42–5. https://doi.org/10.5120/ijca2018917353.Search in Google Scholar
64. Sharma, SRA, Rana, S. Comprehensive study of radio over fiber with different modulation techniques–a review. Int J Comput Appl 2017;170:22–5. https://doi.org/10.5120/ijca2017914829.Search in Google Scholar
65. Sharma, A, Thakur, D. A review on WLANs with radio-over-fiber technology. Int J Electron Commun Eng (IJECE) 2017;6:1–6.Search in Google Scholar
66. Sharma, A, Kapoor, R. Study of various challenges in is OWC: a review. Int J Res Appl Sci Eng Technol 2017;5:802–7.10.22214/ijraset.2017.8112Search in Google Scholar
67. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Chaudhary, N. 6 × 20 Gbps hybrid WDM–PI inter-satellite system under the influence of transmitting pointing errors. J Opt Commun 2016;37:375–9. https://doi.org/10.1515/joc-2015-0099.Search in Google Scholar
68. Chaudhary, S, Sharma, A, Neetu, N. 6 x 20Gbps long reach WDM-PI based high altitude platform inter-satellite communication system. Int J Comput Appl 2015;122. https://doi.org/10.5120/21861-5192.Search in Google Scholar
69. Sharma, A, Kumar, V, Gupta, V. A review on inter-satellite optical wireless communication. Int J Comput Appl 2018;180:13–17. https://doi.org/10.5120/ijca2018916238.Search in Google Scholar
70. Chen, D, Wang, Y, Jin, J, Lu, H, Wang, J. An experimental study of NOMA in underwater visible light communication system. Opt Commun 2020;475:126199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optcom.2020.126199.Search in Google Scholar
71. Uysal, M, Ghasvarianjahromi, S, Karbalayghareh, M, Diamantoulakis, PD, Karagiannidis, GK, Sait, SM. SLIPT for underwater visible light communications: performance analysis and optimization. IEEE Trans Wireless Commun 2021;20:6715–28. https://doi.org/10.1109/twc.2021.3076159.Search in Google Scholar
72. Elamassie, M, Uysal, M. Vertical underwater visible light communication links: channel modeling and performance analysis. IEEE Trans Wireless Commun 2020;19:6948–59. https://doi.org/10.1109/twc.2020.3007343.Search in Google Scholar
73. Kaushal, H, Kaddoum, G. Underwater optical wireless communication. IEEE Access 2016;4:1518–47. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2016.2552538.Search in Google Scholar
© 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
