Comparison of radio frequency and visible light propagation channel for vehicular communications.

While both radio and visible light waves can serve as the transmission medium, the propagation channel plays a key role in the highly dynamic vehicular communication environment. We discuss salient properties of radio and visible light channels, including radiation pattern and path loss modeling. By comparing their similarities and highlighting the differences, we illustrate the unique capabilities and limitations of these two technologies with respect to the requirements of Cooperative Intelligent Transportation System applications.