Li-Fi

Short for light fidelity, Li-Fi or LiFi is a bidirectional wireless communication technology that uses visible light to transmit data. More specifically, it is a form of OWC (optical wireless communication) that relies on LEDs (light-emitting diodes) to transfer data and position signals between devices.

Li-Fi technology was introduced in 2011 by Harald Haas during a TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh, Scotland.

What's the difference between Li-Fi and Wi-Fi?

Li-Fi is similar to Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) in that it enables wireless communication; the main difference lies in how the two technologies carry out this task. Wi-Fi uses RF (radio frequency) to induce electric tension in an antenna, whereas Li-Fi adjusts light intensity to transmit signals via pulses.

What are the benefits of Li-Fi?

Li-Fi has some advantages over Wi-Fi technology. Here are a few of them.

• Speed - Li-Fi can transmit data up to 100 times faster than Wi-Fi.
• Flexibility - A sizable benefit of Li-Fi is that it can function in areas susceptible to EMI (electromagnetic interference), such as hospitals and airplane cabins.
• Security - As light must obey line of sight (it can't go through barriers), data interception by unauthorized parties outside of a designated space is nearly impossible.

What are the disadvantages of Li-Fi?

There are a couple disadvantages with Li-Fi use:

• Because Li-Fi uses light to transmit data, line of sight is required between devices sending and receiving data. Li-Fi has limited range due to this requirement.
• As a newer technology, few devices are compatible and can utilize Li-Fi for data transmission. Increased adoption of Li-Fi is required for more compatible devices to be developed and available commercially.

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