Lighting Up Dynamic Networks : AP Assignment Strategy for QoS and Energy Efficiency in HLWNets

Light Fidelity (LiFi) is a recent wireless technology that offers high data rates, low power consumption and do not interfere with radio frequency technologies. As a result, LiFi access points emerge as promising complements to Wi-Fi access points for hybrid LiFi/Wi-Fi networks (HLWNets). This combination can offer high data rates and energy efficiency. However, to fully benefit from hybrid networks, it is crucial to efficiently assign stations, whether with LiFi or Wi-Fi access points. In this paper, we formulate the AP assignment problem as an optimization problem. As a solution, we present an AP assignment strategy, in which we elaborate an algorithm with a low computational complexity. The algorithm allows to dynami-cally assign STAs to APs and benefits from the combination of the two technologies to enhance network performance (energy consumption and throughput satisfaction).