Enhanced BER-Analysis-Based Adaptive Resource Allocation in SDN-Controlled Multi-User NOMA-OFDM VLC Systems

We propose a novel multi-user resource allocation algorithm for non-orthogonal multiple access orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (NOMA-OFDM) visible light communication (VLC) systems. The proposed algorithm is based on the bit-error-rate analysis of the NOMA signal and solving a non-convex optimization problem employing successive convex approximation and block coordinate descent techniques. A VLC system with a software-defined-network (SDN) controlled real-time transmitter is developed to verify the proposed algorithm. 86–217Mbit/s experiments, with both homogeneous and heterogeneous receivers for users including avalanche photodiodes and silicon photomultipliers, show that the system can respond dynamically to the change of user demands and channel state information. The proposed algorithm exhibits better performance and user fairness than existing algorithms.