OptiNet- Visible Light Modem for Indoor Broadband Networks (HW Communications Ltd)

This work proposes to carry out a market study to bring our Visible Light Communication
(VLC) hardware modem prototype based on low energy LED lighting to a commercial
product which provides a dual functionality solution, i.e., High speed (Gbps) optical wireless
broadband connectivity and illumination for end users in indoor environments, using
unlicensed visible light spectrum. Growing data traffic and demand for high speed
applications like video streaming, gaming etc., requires high speed end user connectivity
solutions. As we are accelerating towards Internet of Things, where all the devices will
connect to the internet in the future, which will also result in RF spectrum congestion with
low QoS causing user dissatisfaction. The product we are aiming to develop for indoor use
will increase the end user data speed by replacing existing lights with a LED based VLC
modem and this is also now proposed for use in 5G using the unregulated visible light
spectrum. This replacement will not require additional infrastructure to be installed within a
building which is much attractive for end users. The user will enjoy high quality and secure
data link (increase Cyber security and Information Assurance) along with sufficient
illumination leaving no known adverse effects on health as compared to RF systems. Our past
work has matured the VLC concept into TRL4/5 prototype. This VLC prototype has capacity
of connecting multiple users under the same LED light demonstrating the current technology
maturity. To commercialise we need to identify market gaps/trends and application areas
leading us to mature the prototype to a product. Objectives of OptiNet are to identify market
opportunity gaps, conduct market research, interpret findings, develop market options, risk
analysis, identify user needs and value, develop value proposition and substantiate market
trends, findings becomes an input to Smart POC phase 2 Project.