Security and Privacy Challenges in VLC-Based V2X Communications: An Overview and Evaluation

Abstract

The upcoming Sixth Generation (6G) of wireless systems is considering, among others, technologies such as Wireless Optical Communication (WOC) and Visible Light Communication (VLC) to achieve more advanced and secure transmission systems. Thereby, VLC is offering advantages like high data rates and operating in the unlicensed visible light spectrum while enhancing security and privacy by directional light beams and reducing eavesdropping threats. However, its limitations include dependence on Line-of-Sight (LoS) and susceptibility to obstacles and environmental disturbances. In addition, Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communication, a key technology for autonomous driving, has evolved to provide faster and more reliable connectivity among cars and infrastructures. Therefore, this work investigates the integration of VLC into V2X, focusing on security and privacy challenges, as well as weather conditions, ambient light interference, and vehicle movement. Moreover, efforts to address these issues have explored combining VLC with Radio Frequency (RF) technologies and enhancing the Physical Layer Security (PLS) through advanced coding and modulation techniques. In this work, an experimental setup using OpenVLC examines key performance aspects, such as latency and angular optimization, identifying system limitations under varied conditions. Experimental results show that VLC maintains reliable communication with packet loss below 20% within a central angular range. However, at extreme angles, loss increases significantly, reaching nearly 100%, limiting performance under certain conditions. Despite slow receiver movement (~0.03-0.05 m/s), a motion had a negligible impact on overall performance, reinforcing VLC’s potential for secure short-range V2X applications. This research aims to lay a foundation for future advancements by addressing the interaction and interplay between VLC and V2X in privacy and security contexts.