Light Fidelity Communication in Aviation: A Comprehensive Review of Aircraft Applications

Dwity Chaudhari1, Ruchira Bhanage2, Prachi Miraje3, Mrunali Nikam4, Sakshi Kulkarni5, Remya PR6

123456 Pune Institute of Aviation Technology, Affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University, India

Email: dwitychaudhari.puneiat@gmail.com

Abstract - Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is an emerging optical wireless communication technology that leverages rapidly modulated Light Emitting Diode (LED) luminaires to transmit digital data through the visible light spectrum. This review paper presents the design, development, and prototype demonstration of a Li-Fi communication system tailored specifically for application within commercial aircraft cabins. Traditional Radio Frequency (RF)-based wireless systems deployed in aviation environments introduce measurable risks of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) with sensitive avionics, create RF congestion in densely occupied fuselages, and impose security vulnerabilities. Li-Fi eliminates all three drawbacks by confining data transmission within the optical spectrum, which is impermeable to aircraft structures, cannot penetrate cabin walls, and carries bandwidth several orders of magnitude broader than conventional RF channels. The prototype, built around an Arduino Nano microcontroller, high-intensity LED transmitter, and solar-cell receiver with a multi-stage signal conditioning chain, successfully demonstrated the wireless transmission of audio, image, and text data through visible light at distances representative of inter-seat spacing. Performance evaluation confirms negligible EMI generation, inherent data privacy, and compatibility with existing cabin LED infrastructure. The paper further discusses system architecture, modulation methodology, component-level circuit design, optical noise mitigation, cost analysis, and the future potential of integrated Li-Fi in next-generation smart aircraft cabins.

Keywords: Li-Fi, Light Fidelity, Optical Wireless Communication, Visible Light Communication (VLC), Aircraft Cabin Connectivity, In-Flight Entertainment (IFE), LED Modulation, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Arduino Nano, Photodiode Receiver.