Intelligent resource allocation in hybrid RF/LiFi networks via deep deterministic policy gradient based DRL mechanism

Abstract

A hybrid radio frequency (RF) and light fidelity (LiFi) network combines the strengths of RF and LiFi technologies. RF offers broad coverage, while LiFi provides high data rates. As these technologies operate on non-interfering spectra, they can co-exist without interfering with each other. This setup not only boosts data rate but also makes the network more reliable, especially when physical obstacles might block signals. However, resource management in hybrid RF/LiFi networks is challenging because of the dynamic environment and the different characteristics of the two technologies. Efficient resource allocation maximizes the data rate in these networks. In this paper, we introduce a model-free deep reinforcement learning (DRL) approach to solve the resource allocation problem in hybrid RF/LiFi networks. Our DRL model is designed to handle real-world conditions, considering factors like blockages and user mobility. Unlike traditional methods that need extensive modeling and assumptions, our approach learns directly from interacting with the environment, making it highly adaptable and robust. Through simulations, it is observed that our method improves resource utilization and overall network performance, achieving a 62.8% increase in sum rate and a 42.8% improvement in optimal transmit power compared to conventional methods.