A hierarchical game approach for visible light communication and D2D heterogeneous network

The visible light communication (VLC) technology is able to provide indoor users with high quality of service and low cost. However, the performance of the VLC is limited in shaded or strong sun- light areas. In this paper, we combine the VLC network with Device-to-Device (D2D) technology. We consider that some mobile users accessible to the VLC network is able to relay the transmitted data to the nearby mobile users. We suppose all the mobile users as relays (MUaRs), cellular service provider (CSP) and VLC service provider (VLCSP) are autonomous individuals, and propose a hierarchical game to analyze the optimal strategies for each of them. In the game, the VLCSP determines the data transmission route and data packet size first. Based on the behaviors of the VLCSP, the CSP determines the prices of wireless licensed spectrum. According to the behaviors of the VLCSP, the CSP and the MUaRs in the neighborhood, all MUaRs determines their transmission data rates for optimal utility. Therefore, there is a graphical game among all MUaRs. When all MUaRs consider the corresponding reactions of other MUaRs in the neighborhood and achieve Nash Equilibrium, the Stackelberg Equilibriums can be achieved in the Stackelberg games between the VLCSP and the CSP, between the CSP and all MUaRs and between the VLCSP and all MUaRs. Simulation results show the correctness of the analysis and the VLC network with multi-hop D2D relay is able to bring high profits for the CSP.