What’s the Deal With Li-Fi? Could It Be the Future for Internet Connection?

A unique technology is just around the corner that will potentially change the way we connect to the Internet. Which seems out of the ordinary science fiction film may offer different benefits than traditional Wi-Fi. While it’s too early to tell what this means for broadband in our homes, it does present promising opportunities, as well as some limitations. What is this new technology and how does it work?

What is Li-Fi?

Easy Loyaltyalso known as Li-Fi, uses the power of light to transmit data. Unlike Wi-Fi, which uses radio waves to create a wireless connection, Li-Fi uses light to transmit data. Through this process, Li-Fi promises speeds that are 100 times faster than Wi-Fi.

Li-Fi research has been carried out since the early 2000s. Together with your team, German physicist Harald Haas founded this technology. discovering that light could be used to transmit data two-way. Soon the French company Oldecommone of the world leaders in this technology, began conducting his experiments with Li-Fi in 2008. In July Europe launched Ariane 6 into spaceconducting four experiments, one of which was aimed at testing Li-Fi technology.

How does Li-Fi work?

Li-Fi works like Visible Light Communication System; At its core, data is transmitted from LED light bulbs. These light bulbs carry pulses of light that convey information similar to Morse code. No, this process cannot be seen with the naked eye. The game changers in this scenario are interoperable devices that can quickly synthesize this information.

What does this mean for the Internet?

Wi-Fi, also known as wireless precision, first appeared in 1996. Over the past few years, the development of technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 and 6E and introduction WiFi 7 have changed the way we stay connected.

Li-Fi Vs. WiFi

When using Li-Fi, data is transferred at a faster rate compared to Wi-Fi, resulting in faster speeds. Speed ​​isn’t the only important factor in a wireless connection.

LiFi group of companies, a pioneer in commercializing Li-Fi technology and its products in the digital space, highlighted other notable benefits such as increased security.

“Security is another key benefit of Li-Fi, as signals are limited to the area illuminated by the light source and cannot penetrate walls. The risk of unauthorized access is significantly reduced,” a LiFi Group spokesperson told CNET.

In terms of speed, Li-Fi speeds can reach up to 224,000 megabits per second (theoretically) and can be especially beneficial for smart cities, virtual reality, 4K streaming and even online gamesWhere lower latency is critical. Plus, since Li-Fi doesn’t use radio frequencies like Wi-Fi, your connection won’t be subject to electromagnetic interference. Li-Fi can also be safer for your home because it produces less radiation.

Li-Fi and online games

For avid online gamersLi-Fi could potentially change game world. Real gamers know that low latency or ping is important for a smooth gaming experience. Latency is the time it takes for your computer or console to transfer data from a particular server to the Internet. More importantly, if you have a high ping, your game will most likely be disrupted due to severe latency. Li-Fi’s ability to transmit data at increased speeds promises lower latency. Li-Fi technology can be especially useful for competitive gaming such as eSports And virtual reality. Many Internet providers such as Verizon Fios, Edge fiber, Sound, Spectrum And Starlinkoffer low latency, but fall far short of the promise of Li-Fi.

Security is another important indicator of how Li-Fi can transform the gaming industry. Wi-Fi uses radio waves that can penetrate walls, making it more susceptible to threats outside your network. On the other hand, Li-Fi technology offers increased security as the light signals are limited to the room, creating problems for hackers and other cyber threats to your network.

It’s worth noting that this technology is still in its infancy, so we won’t see its true impact until it’s fully implemented in the real world.

Li-Fi technology: pros and cons

While this technology is not yet perfect or fully utilized, there are a few key things you should know:

Pros

• Speed: More data is transmitted faster through light sources than through the radio waves used by Wi-Fi.
• Efficiency: Li-Fi is more energy efficient because it uses the power of LED light bulbs.
• Safety: Li-Fi technology reduces the risk of your data being intercepted by external threats.
• Availability: Light sources are everywhere, increasing your chances of connecting to the Internet.

Cons

• Limited range: Your connection will be limited to enclosed spaces since this technology is based on light sources. Large businesses and enterprises may find it more difficult to use this technology.
• Limited Compatibility: This is a newer technology, which means fewer devices are equipped to decode its data.
• Does not solve the problem of low Internet speed from Internet providers: If you are on your provider’s slowest plan or experiencing throttled speeds, Li-Fi will not solve these problems.

Li-Fi and its limitations

Li-Fi faces many limitations, from reaching the mass market to line-of-sight requirements, according to Oldecomm. As mentioned above, Li-Fi technology will be used in confined spaces, resulting in limited range. More importantly, the technology relies on line-of-sight, meaning users must always be in the presence of light signals to maintain a connection to the Internet. This will be especially difficult for the millions of Americans who use the Internet while commuting or traveling.

So where can I find Li-Fi?

Currently, Li-Fi is still in the research stage in the US and other parts of the world. It may be a while before we see how Li-Fi impacts the Internet. Li-Fi is expected to hit the mass market within the next few years. Oldecomm predicts that Li-Fi will be available any time between 2024 and 2029.. The implementation of this technology will depend solely on the company’s investment.

On the other hand, we may not be that far off as we see this technology in different industries. The LiFi group describes the technology as crucial for sectors such as defense and government, as it is optimal for secure data transfer. For example, the appearance Vibrint LiFi last April led to the use of Li-Fi to provide secure communications between government and national security organizations. Other industries such as aviation are also gaining momentum, as seen in LLC “Spectrum Networks”which is based in Fife, Washington.

Moreover, there is increased interest among American companies that are funding research to develop this technology. VLNKomm, based in Charlottesville, Virginiais a leader in VLC technology and plays a key role in the development of Li-Fi. In addition, the company designateknown for its energy-efficient lighting products, is also a key player in VLC technology. This company is headquartered in the Netherlands, but its North American corporation is located in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Both companies are conducting work that will lay the foundation for Li-Fi technology.

What’s next for Li-Fi?

“We have been in discussions with several leading companies not only in the Li-Fi and wireless sectors, but also in industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, logistics, etc.,” says a LiFi Group spokesperson. Demand for innovative connectivity solutions, especially in environments where traditional wireless technologies face limitations, is likely to encourage more companies to explore and invest in Li-Fi in the near future.”

What is the profit from Li-Fi?

Li-Fi technology seems to be a great alternative to Wi-Fi and could theoretically benefit many industries. It is too early to say that this technology will replace Wi-Fi in general. It may be some time before we actually see tangible evidence of its impact on wireless communications. Li-Fi is promising as we see growing interest from companies funding research to develop a standard. Until then, we will keep you updated on new developments in this technology.

What is Li-Fi