Li-Fi: How light can provide internet speeds faster than Wi-Fi

Imagine if you can get internet access by shining a light on your phone and laptop. Surprisingly, this technology is a reality called Li-Fi or Light Fidelity, which uses light beams to transmit data, unlike Wi-Fi which uses radio waves.

Li-Fi is said to provide internet speeds that are 100 times faster than Wi-Fi or Wireless Fidelity.

But if Li-Fi is significantly faster than Wi-Fi, why are we still using the latter? Learn more about Light Fidelity to see how it will become part of the world’s digital transformation.

How does Li-Fi work?

Light Fidelity advocate LiFi Group explains the technology uses visible light from overhead sources for data transmission. It uses a Visible Light Communication (VLC) system with two components: 

1. A device that receives light signals via a photodiode
2. A light source that transmits signals using a signal-processing unit

The VLC light source is usually an LED light bulb that shines a specific band of wavelengths. Then, the photodiode device converts the light into the electrical current of binary data containing text, videos, and other media.

LiFi Group said Harold Haas is the “father of Li-Fi,” who has dedicated two decades to VCL research. As a result, he earned the Best Paper Award at the International Symposium on Personal, Indoor, and Mobile Radio Communications (PIMRC) in 1999.

READ: LiFi: Using light for in-flight connectivity

On December 3, 2015, Haas gave a TED Talk on Light Fidelity you can watch on YouTube. 

Light Fidelity vs Wireless Fidelity

As mentioned, Li-Fi is 100 times faster than Wi-Fi, but that’s not the only advantage it has over the latter: 

• Energy transmission: Li-Fi only needs LED lights and a medium for data transmission. Conversely, Wi-Fi uses more energy because it needs two radios to transmit radio waves. 
• Security: You can use your neighbor’s Wi-Fi if the signal extends outside their home. On the other hand, you can only connect to the Internet via Li-Fi if it shines directly on your device.
• Availability: Many still don’t have internet access, but most have access to electrical lighting. Soon, street lights, building lights, and other forms of illumination could provide everyone with internet access.

READ: How to find your Wi-Fi password

Of course, Light Fidelity has some issues:

• Limited Range: Light can’t pass through walls, so neither can Li-Fi. Still, people could install this technology so that it illuminates a huge area, giving online access to more people.
• Limited Compatibility: Li-Fi is a relatively new technology, so it’s only compatible with a few devices. 
• Not the answer to slow internet speeds: Ironically, Light Fidelity might provide slow internet speeds depending on your telecom provider. 

Nevertheless, LiFi Group says this technology could aid in undersea explorations, airlines, hospitals, and homes. Also, further research and development could make it as essential as Wi-Fi.