Li-fi, or light fidelity, is a technology that uses light for data transfer and wireless connectivity. Since this technology uses light to establish a wireless connection rather than radio waves as wi-fi does, it has the potential to achieve data rates that are 100 times higher than those of wi-fi.
After discovering that light could be used to transmit data, German-born physicist Harald Haas and his research team began studying li-fi expansion in the mid-2000s. The French company Oldecomm, one of the world leaders in wireless technology, began experimenting with the technology in 2008. In 2011, Harald Hass introduced the concept to the wider world in a TED Talk. In July of this year, Europe successfully launched the vehicle Ariane 6 into space to conduct four experiments, one of which was on li-fi. The technology continues to develop further from here.
Li-Fi’s Key Features
Li-fi offers many beneficial features that could make it more effective than current wi-fi technology. Since light can carry data at much higher frequencies, li-fi can potentially transmit data at faster rates than wi-fi. Since light cannot penetrate through solid walls, the technology can provide better security in the defined space. Since li-fi is immune to radio frequency interference, it can also be implemented in areas where the transmission of radio signals could be disrupted.
As this technology is under development and in the trial phase, li-fi has not been standardized or implemented like wi-fi. The technology has shown promise for some applications, especially where interference of radio waves is a concern or where extremely high data rates are needed.
Pros And Cons Of Li-Fi
As with every technology, li-fi has several pros and cons. As li-fi is not dependent on radio frequencies, it will not be affected by any devices that are bound to Radio Frequencies (RF), which makes the technology suitable for use in hospitals, aircraft, and other areas where RF interferences are observed. Compared with similar wireless technologies, li-fi allows for more energy efficiency because current LED lighting systems can be used to both illuminate spaces and transmit data. Whereas wi-fi operates in a crowded radio spectrum, li-fi uses light waves that aren’t crowded, thus leading to less interference and better performances.
On the other hand, since li-fi is dependent on light for functionality, it is only useable when light is available and may not be usable in spaces that can be hard to light. Setting up this technology might also involve upgrading current lighting systems, which could be expensive and complicated, especially in large spaces. Finally, as it’s still in the development phase, it will take a long while before li-fi is available as a viable replacement for wi-fi.
