Tokyo: The newly developed VLC system can achieve data transmission speeds of up to 3.48 megabits per second over distances of several metres, overcoming one of the key challenges that has limited the outdoor use of light-based communication technologies.

Unlike conventional wireless systems that rely on radio waves, VLC uses light emitted from LED lamps to transmit information. This makes it particularly effective in environments where radio frequencies are congested, prone to interference, or subject to regulatory restrictions.

The researchers explained that the system is designed around the edges of rising light pulses, making it more resistant to pulse-width variations caused by LED characteristics. In addition, the receiver uses multiple photovoltaic cells combined with narrowband filters to significantly reduce the impact of background light, allowing stable communication even in bright outdoor conditions.

The team highlighted the technology’s potential to improve safety in both conventional and autonomous driving scenarios. By enabling traffic lights, street lamps and other urban lighting infrastructure to transmit data directly to vehicles, VLC could support real-time communication for navigation, monitoring and road safety.

Low-cost and energy-efficient, the system opens the possibility of transforming city lighting networks into optical communication platforms. Researchers say the technology is especially promising for intelligent transportation systems (ITS), where existing infrastructure can double as data transmitters, moving cities closer to smarter, safer and more connected mobility solutions.