Ultraviolet Collaborative Networking Method Based on a Novel Neighbor Discovery Algorithm

Ultraviolet (UV) optical communication presents several advantages, such as non-line-of-sight propagation, high confidentiality, reliability, and the absence of precise alignment requirements. UV optical communication networks find application in various scenarios in complex electromagnetic environments. In this study, we propose a UV collaborative networking method based on a neighbor discovery algorithm (UVCN–NDA), which establishes neighbor tables within nodes and selects the shortest transmission path between the nodes for frame transmission. During data transmission, nodes dynamically adjust the transmission time of each bit to enhance throughput and use the distance information in the neighbor table for path selection. This strategy prevents ineffective data forwarding and subsequently reduces network power consumption. Simulation results demonstrate that the neighbor discovery algorithm implemented in this protocol exhibits higher efficiency in neighbor discovery and lower message load than existing algorithms. Furthermore, when compared to UV networks based on bit–simultaneous–transmission, the UVCN–NDA–based UV networks achieve an approximate 86.2% reduction in average power consumption and approximately 52% increase in throughput, thereby providing a considerable performance advantage. Finally, the conducted network experiments prove the shortest path selection capability of UVCN–NDA.