Li-Fi, Next Big Revalution in Telecom Industry to Transfrom Our Lives

Li-fi is an innovative idea in IT, one that aims at eventually replacing radio frequency wireless signals with those that come from light sources. This type of technology is still being developed, and may have the potential to introduce vastly improved wireless services.

New reports from the BBC show that Chinese researchers are developing a microchip light bulb that could enable up to 150 Mb per second of data transfer. This idea, also known as visible light communications or VLC, is just being pioneered in various applications. Scientists point out that visible light spectrums are part of the greater electromagnetic spectrum, and that this kind of application of light energy could help to unlock the puzzle of how to offer enough frequency capacity for a seemingly exponential demand. 

In terms of its practicality, light-based data transfer would differ from existing radio frequency setups in a key way. Unlike radio energy, light does not penetrate physical barriers. That would require a different model where wireless systems need to be placed in the same room or space as endpoint devices or LAN network pieces. This would involve various pros and cons, but would generally require a pretty big user adjustment and a different idea of how to provision services. Chinese teams are expected to unveil more about Li-fi technology later in the fall of 2013.

LiFi is designed to use LED light bulbs similar to those currently in use in many energy-conscious homes and offices. However, LiFi bulbs are outfitted with a chip that modulates the light imperceptibly for optical data transmission. LiFi data is transmitted by the LED bulbs and received by photoreceptors.

LiFi's early developmental models were capable of 150 megabits-per-second (Mbps). Some commercial kits enabling that speed have been released. In the lab, with stronger LEDs and different technology, researchers have enabled 10 gigabits-per-second (Gbps), which is faster than 802.11ad. 

Benefits of LiFi:

• Higher speeds than Wi-Fi.
• 10000 times the frequency spectrum of radio.
• More secure because data cannot be intercepted without a clear line of sight.
• Prevents piggybacking.
• Eliminates neighboring network interference.
• Unimpeded by radio interference.
• Does not create interference in sensitive electronics, making it better for use in environments like hospitals and aircraft.

By using LiFi in all the lights in and around a building, the technology could enable greater area of coverage than a single WiFi router. Drawbacks to the technology include the need for a clear line of sight, difficulties with mobility and the requirement that lights stay on for operation.

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