Li-Fi Technology

Introduction of Li-Fi Technology : The future of high-speed internet      

A new and innovative technology is on the horizon, with the potential to transform how we connect to the internet. Known as Li-Fi, this emerging technology offers distinct advantages over traditional Wi-Fi, though it's still too early to determine its full impact on broadband internet in our homes. The technology gained momentum when the French company Oldecomm, a leader in the field, began experimenting with Li-Fi in 2008. Europe’s Ariane 6 rocket launched into space, carrying out four experiments, one of which tested Li-Fi technology. Light Fidelity, or Li-Fi, utilises light to transmit data, setting it apart from Wi-Fi, which relies on radio waves. This method promises speeds up to 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. Research into Li-Fi has been ongoing since the early 2000s, with German physicist Harald Haas and his team pioneering the technology by discovering light's capability for two-way data transmission. A new pureLiFi and Solace Power system aims to boost 5G and other fixed wireless connections. At the 2025 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, pureLiFi and Solace Power announced a new and innovative product: the LINXC Bridge System. 

Li-Fi functions as a Visible Light Communications system, transmitting data from LED light bulbs. These bulbs emit pulses of light that carry information, much like Morse code. Although this process is invisible to the naked eye, compatible devices can rapidly decode the information. The goal of the LINXC Bridge is to enable fixed wireless access providers, including 5G home internet, other cellular broadband providers and satellite internet, to more quickly and easily deploy broadband service to customers. Harnessing the power of Li-Fi technology, which uses light signals to transmit data, the LINXC Bridge promises low latency and the potential of download speeds up to 5,000 megabits per second.

Since its debut, Wi-Fi has undergone significant advancements, with developments like Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, and the recent introduction of Wi-Fi 7. Li-Fi, however, offers a significant speed advantage, potentially reaching up to 224,000 megabits per second. This could be particularly beneficial for smart cities, virtual reality, 4K streaming, and online gaming, where low latency is crucial. How this bridge system actually work? It consists of small indoor and outdoor units attached to a window. The outdoor unit receives the cellular or satellite signal and, using Li-Fi, transfers that signal through the glass to the indoor unit, which essentially broadcasts the data to a Wi-Fi router in the home. The LINXC Bridge can safely deliver up to 20 watts of power and 1Gbps of data through a window. Since this is a wireless solution, it can eliminate a lengthy installation process and make broadband deployment much easier for internet providers and consumers. Since the receiver is outside the home, it can make 5G home broadband viable even in areas where signal isn't the best. "The enthusiastic response from our collaborations with leading global telecom brands validates the transformative potential of the LINXC Bridge System," said Alistair Banham, CEO of pureLiFi. "This latest technology is poised to revolutionize the economics of FWA and broadband deployment worldwide, making high-speed connectivity more accessible, affordable and efficient for broadband suppliers, ultimately improving service and user satisfaction," he said. "The market is clearly moving towards Li-Fi as it will solve connectivity challenges of today and tomorrow."

The LiFi Group, a pioneer in commercialising Li-Fi, highlighted the technology's added security benefits. A spokesperson stated, “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 unauthorised access is greatly reduced.” Currently, Li-Fi remains in the research phase in the US and other parts of the world. It may take a few more years before it becomes mainstream, with Oldecomm predicting a rollout maximum by 2029, depending on company investments. A spokesperson from pureLiFi says that the LINXC Bridge is still in its trial period. However, consumers in the US will be among the first to have access. The spokesperson shared that the system can help close the gap for the many fixed wireless carriers struggling to provide wireless internet connectivity to Americans. “US carriers are running into problems having sufficient network capacity and LINXC Bridge can help them to solve that by moving the 5G modem outside,” the pureLiFi spokesperson said. T-Mobile announced in December that over 1 million users are on the waiting list for 5G home internet service. Many rural communities have minimal access to adequate internet connections. In areas where cellular internet connections are rising to help bridge the broadband gap for rural Americans, this Li-Fi solution can help address the network capacity issues among broadband providers. Li-Fi also avoids the electromagnetic interference common with Wi-Fi and produces less radiation, making it a potentially safer option for home use. However, as the technology is still in its early stages, its full impact won’t be seen until it’s more widely implemented.

Li-Fi promises high speeds and lower latency than Wi-Fi, and the LINXC Bridge also touts other positives including the following:- 

Faster speeds and low latency: The LINXCW Bridge System can promise multi-gigabit speeds of up to 5Gbps. Overall, Li-Fi technology will feature a lower latency than Wi-Fi. 

A more straightforward and cost-effective installation process: This product aims to make the lives of broadband companies easier and to be a faster and less expensive option for customers. 

Increased security: Li-Fi technology is already used among organizations in the defence and government sectors. 

Energy efficient: Li-Fi technology is powered by LED light bulbs. 

Despite this, Li-Fi is already being explored across various industries. The LiFi Group emphasises its importance for sectors like defence and government, where secure data transfer is critical. The aviation industry is also adopting the technology, as demonstrated by Spectrum Networks LLC in Washington. In the US, companies such as VLNComm in Charlottesville and Signify in New Jersey are leading the charge in developing Li-Fi. Their work is expected to lay the foundation for the widespread adoption of this technology.

Installing the LINXC Bridge system could be more cost-effective than installing cable or fibre internet. This wireless system operates as an outdoor CPE or a wireless networking device that can be easily installed outside the home, eliminating the need to drill holes or run cables through the walls. Installation will also be quick and easy. The system uses Li-Fi communications and wireless power links through a window. The pureLiFi spokesperson said that setup takes as little as five minutes. It’s worth noting that Li-Fi technology isn’t without faults. One of the main criticisms is its limited range, which is probably why the technology is not yet mainstream. Li-Fi relies on light signals, so your connection will be confined to closed spaces. A spokesperson for the LiFi Group shared that discussions are on-going with leading companies across various sectors, including consumer electronics, automotive and telecommunications. “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,” they said. Li-Fi shows great promise as an alternative to Wi-Fi, with potential benefits across multiple industries. However, it’s still too early to predict whether Li-Fi will completely replace Wi-Fi. The technology is gaining traction, with increasing company interest and research funding. Until its full impact is realised.