An innovative new technology known as LiFi may be radically changing home and office data networks soon. LiFi is said to be 100 times faster than WiFi, using an innovative new technique that harnesses the power of light for data transmission. LiFi is an affordable and versatile technology, though it may face some unique challenges.
Internet at the Speed of Light
LiFi uses LED lights to transmit data by flickering on and off; these lights move much faster than the human eye can detect, but are sensed by a receiving device. Though it’s said to be 100 times faster than WiFi in real world scenarios, it was actually able to achieve speeds 22,400 times faster than WiFi within a laboratory environment. In real world applications, LiFi connectivity can achieve up to 1 Gbps, which is enough to download an HD movie in just a few seconds.
LiFi is considered to be far more secure than WiFi, as it cannot be read through walls. It can also be integrated directly into LED lightbulbs that are used throughout the home: any type of LED light could potentially be used by this. The light would not substantially appear to dim, brighten, or otherwise change while data was being transmitted. LiFi could be used throughout a home, for entertainment centers, smart appliances, and more.
Though the technology is new, it is already available on the consumer market. Companies and individuals are able to invest in early adoption kits, for LiFi installations in either their office or their home. Though some of the applications of LiFi technology are theoretical, the actual product is ready to be used.
Challenges Facing LiFi Connectivity
LiFi connectivity operates via line of sight. It cannot operate around corners nor can it operate through walls. Thus, it’s only suitable for internal networks. As many know, the speed of a connection is often limited not just within your house or office but by the internet service provider. In a traditional home or office setup, data would be transmitted to the home or office via traditional telecommunications and cable lines, and then would be transmitted via LiFi within the room. LiFi would not be able to cross rooms.
Effectively, though LiFi could be used to download a movie in just a few seconds from your laptop to your televisioon, it could not be used to download a movie in just a few seconds from the Internet. It’s not a replacement for wired Internet service; it’s purely a replacement for internal networks. The best use cases for LiFi involve extensive business applications, such as areas that have an open air plan or a cubicle setup.
LiFi is a new, blazing fast alternative to traditional wireless services, but it’s not likely to replace WiFi anytime soon. Regardless, business owners and homeowners alike may be interested in using LiFi technology to speed up the connectivity within their home. LiFi’s applications are still being explored, and there is currently a commercial product available on the market for those who would like to test it out. To learn more about LiFi and new bleeding-edge technologies, contact us at Software Specialists today.
