Li-Fi : Next big connectivity option

 What is Li-Fi?  Li-Fi might be the next big connectivity option         

A new and unique technology is around the corner, with the potential to change the way we connect to the internet. It offers different advantages than traditional Wi-Fi, though it is still too early to say what this means for broadband in our homes. So question is, what is this new technology, and how does it work? Imagine a connectivity option to the internet can be as simple as turning on a light. This new technology could revolutionize Wi-Fi. Called Li-Fi for Light Fidelity, this technology uses light waves to transmit data as opposed to Wi-Fi which uses radio waves. The big advantage that Li-Fi has is speed; Li-Fi can deliver data speeds 100 times faster than what can be achieved using Wi-Fi. Li-Fi's light signals are invisible to the human eye. Li-Fi was in news since little over two years ago and it was German physicist Harald Haas who discovered that data can be transmitted and received via light. Experiments using Li-Fi began in 2008 under the lead of French company Oldecomm. When Europe sent the Ariane 6 rocket into space, it was charged with running four experiments including one dealing with Li-Fi.

Light Fidelity, also 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 relies on light to transmit data. Through this process, Li-Fi promises speeds which are 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. Research for Li-Fi has been around since the early 2000s. Alongside his team, German physicist Harald Haas founded this technology by discovering that light can be used for two-way data transmission. It wasn't long before French company Oldecomm, one of the global leaders in this technology, began conducting its experiments on Li-Fi in 2008. With Li-Fi, data is transferred using LED bulbs that send the data in pulses of light similar to how Morse Code works. Besides being faster, Li-Fi is also more secure than Wi-Fi since signals are less likely to leak through walls. And Li-Fi transmitters can be installed in light fixtures making it easier for mobile users to find extremely fast internet service.

"Security is another key advantage of Li-Fi because the signals are confined to the area illuminated by the light source and cannot penetrate walls. The risk of unauthorized access is greatly reduced." a spokesperson from The LiFi Group said. Li-Fi functions as a Visible Light Communications system; at its core, data is transferred from LED light bulbs. These bulbs carry pulses of light that produce information similar to Morse code. This process can't be seen by the naked eye. However, the game-changers in this scenario are the compatible devices that can synthesize this information rapidly. Wi-Fi, also known as wireless fidelity, first emerged in 1996. In the past few years, the development of technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and 6E and the introduction of Wi-Fi 7 early this year have transformed how we stay connected. Speaking of speed, Li-Fi can transmit data as fast as 224Gbps in theory compared to the 1Gbps speeds that we marvel over these days. The technology would be very useful in situations where fast speed and low latency are required. And it also produces less radiation than Wi-Fi as well. There are some negatives associated with Li-Fi with the biggest being that it can only be used in closed spaces. Then again, most smartphone users are connected to Wi-Fi when inside and rely on cellular connectivity when outside so this little hiccup is no big deal. 

With Li-Fi, data is transferred at an accelerated rate compared to Wi-Fi, resulting in higher speeds. However, speeds aren't the only important factor in a wireless connection. The LiFi Group, a pioneer in commercializing Li-Fi technology and its products in the digital space, highlighted other notable benefits, like increased security. Back to the topic of speeds, Li-Fi speeds could reach up to 224,000 megabits per second (in theory) and could be particularly advantageous for smart cities, virtual reality, 4K streaming and even online gaming, where lower latency is crucial. Additionally, because Li-Fi does not rely on radio frequencies like Wi-Fi, your connection will be free of electromagnetic interference. Li-Fi might also be a safer option for your home since it produces less radiation. "Contrary to what we may sometimes read or hear, LiFi wasn’t created with the objective of eradicating WiFi. Above all, it’s about extending the field of possibilities in the field of telecommunication, thinking about the connectivity of today and tomorrow by freeing ourselves from the obstacles of current technologies without depriving ourselves of their benefits." Oldecomm. 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.

Advantages  

Speed: More data is carried out faster through light sources than with radio waves used by Wi-Fi.

Security: Li-Fi technology reduces the risk of your data being intercepted by outside threats.

Efficiency: Li-Fi is more energy-efficient as it harnesses the power of LED light bulbs.

Availability: Light sources are everywhere, increasing your chances of connecting to the internet.

Disadvantages 

Limited range: Your connection will be confined to closed spaces since this technology relies on light sources. Large establishments and businesses might have a harder time utilizing this technology.

Doesn’t solve slow internet speeds from ISPs: If you are on your provider's slowest plan or are experiencing throttled speeds, Li-Fi won't solve these issues.

Limited compatibility: This is a newer technology which means that fewer devices are equipped to decode its data.  

'We've been in discussions with a number of leading companies, not only within the Li-Fi and wireless communication sectors but also across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, logistics and more," says the LiFi Group spokesman. "The growing demand for innovative connectivity solutions, especially in environments where traditional wireless technologies face limitations, will likely drive more companies to explore and invest in Li-Fi in the near future. It seems that we remain several years away from seeing Li-Fi employed. Oldecomm, says that the technology should be ready between 2024-2029. What is promising is that another company, The Li-Fi Group, says that it has been in touch with businesses in several industries including consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and more. The firm adds that the growing demand for connectivity options, especially in areas where traditional technology can't be used, will drive more companies to take a look at Li-Fi. At present, Li-Fi is still in its research phase in the US and other parts of the world. It might take some time before we see how Li-Fi will impact the internet. Li-Fi is projected to be rolled out in the mainstream market within the next couple of years.  

Conclusion

Li-Fi technology seems like a great alternative to Wi-Fi and, in theory, might benefit many industries. However, it's still too early to say that this technology will replace Wi-Fi as a whole. It might take some time before we actually see tangible evidence of its impact on wireless connectivity. Li-Fi is promising though, as we see increased interest among companies funding research to develop the standard. How much will it cost? Will it be more reliable and cause less radio-magnetic interference? It remains to be seen. But if some companies have their way, it could be coming soon to your house. Until then, we'll keep you up-to-date on new developments with this technology.