Sensors & Transducers
Vol. 270, Issue 3, November 2025, pp. 79-87
_______________
Enhanced SUMO–VLC Framework for Real-time Vehicular Communication and Validation
1, 2, * Paula LOURO, 1 Gonçalo GALVÃO, 1 Afonso GASPAR, 1 João DRAGOVIC, 1 João MARQUES, 1, 2, 3 Manuela VIEIRA and 1, 2 Manuel Augusto VIEIRA
1 Electronics Telecommunication and Computer Dept. ISEL, R. Conselheiro Emídio Navarro, 1959-007 Lisboa, Portugal
2 UNINOVA –CTS and LASI, Quinta da Torre, Monte da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
3 NOVA School of Science and Technology, Quinta da Torre, Monte da Caparica, 2829-516, Caparica, Portugal
Tel.: +351 218317000
E-mail: paula.louro@isel.pt
Received: 2 June 2025 / Revised: 11 Nov. 2025 / Accepted: 19 Nov. 2025 /
​Published: 28 Nov. 2025
​​
Abstract:
This work explores the integration of visible light communication technology with urban traffic management systems. Using RGBV LEDs, Visible Light Communication facilitates real-time data collection – such as vehicle position, speed, queue length, and waiting time – through transmitters embedded in streetlights, traffic signals, and vehicle headlights. These enable multiple communication modes: vehicle-to-vehicle vehicle-to-infrastructure), infrastructure-to-vehicle and lamp-to-vehicle. The system is simulated using the “Simulation of Urban Mobility traffic” simulator, replicating realistic vehicle dynamics and visible light communication-based data exchange. Communication channels operate using On-Off Keying modulation, transmitting 64-bit frames structured according to a defined visible light communication protocol. A key contribution of this work is the development of signal pre-processing and decoding algorithms at the receiver module. These algorithms demultiplex the composite optical signal received by the photodetector, enabling identification of the emitting sources and reliable data extraction. Signal processing techniques include baseline correction using asymmetric least squares smoothing, correction of capacitive effects, and transient noise filtering based on signal slope analysis. By integrating the traffic simulator outputs with the visible light communication system, the approach aims to enhance traffic monitoring, reduce congestion, and support the future integration of visible light communication into smart transportation infrastructure. This integration demonstrates the potential of combining advanced error correction techniques with traffic simulation data to improve urban communication infrastructures.
Keywords: Visible light communication, Traffic management, Signal decoding, Simulation of urban mobility, Connected vehicles.
_________________________________________________________________________________________