Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is similar to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) but uses light for data transmission instead of radio waves , embedding the information in beams of light. The term LiFi was first introduced by Harald Haas during a 2011 TED Global talk in Edinburgh. LiFi facilitates wireless method of data transmission through Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology which uses visible light where it indicates that it has a wider range of available frequencies as the visible light spectrum is 10,000 times larger than the entire radio spectrum.
How does it work?
LiFi involves solid- state lighting (SSL) such as LED bulb for transmission and photo detector (Photo diode) in the receiving device. LED is a semi-conductor based light emitting source and current to its source can be dipped/dimmed and be up/down at very high rates. A LED bulb is switched using binary code between logical states of “1” and “0” i.e, when LED is ON, digital 1 is transmitted and when it OFF 0 is transmitted just like a computer using this principle chains of information can be sent at a high speed, undetectable by the human eye, and thus communication is just as seamless as other radio systems, allowing the users to be connected where there is LiFi enabled light. Using this technique, data can be transmitted from a LED light bulb at high speed.
Applications
1. Medical Application: Operation theaters do not allow WiFi due to ration concerns so LiFi can be used to access internet and also to control medical equipment. This will be beneficial for conducting robotic surgery and other automated procedures.
2. Underwater Communication: In the case of WiFi, it is not possible to communicate through water as radio waves are quickly absorbed in water that prevents underwater radio communications, but light can penetrate for large distances. Therefore, LiFi can enable underwater communication which will open endless opportunities for military underwater applications.
3. Educational Applications: Due to its speed LiFi can replace WiFi for educational and other applications.
4. Airlines: LiFi can be used in airlines as it will not interfere with the equipment on the aircraft that relies on radio waves such as its radar.
Pros of LiFi
1. Quicker data transmission i.e, can transmit data at a rate of 224GB per second.
2. It can work in the dense region.
3. It has higher speed and security I.e, light spectrum is nearly 10,000 times larger than the spectrum occupied by radio waves thereby carrying more information 100 times faster than WiFi.
4. It has less interference.
5. LiFi is more efficient and cheaper than WiFi due to the nature of LED bulbs.
Cons of LiFi
1. Limited Compatibility: As technology is new, not many devices are compatible with it.
2. Limited range: As light can’t penetrate through walls it provides a limited range thus LiFi can be effectively used in closed spaces.
Conclusion
The possibilities are numerous and can be explored further because the concept of LiFi is currently attracting. It has a good chance to replace the traditional WiFi as it offers a genuine and very efficient alternative to radio based wireless. If we implement LiFi technology, each and every bulb can be used as a WiFi hot spot through which we can transmit data to multiple users at high speed and it becomes possible to keep our environment clean, green and safe.
