Li-Fi might be the future of internet access. Wireless internet access is something that has become almost completely necessary for anyone to function properly in everyday life. So, finding and creating efficient wireless solutions is a mission that is constantly being worked on. Overall consumption of wireless data increases by about 60% every year, meaning that the radio frequency space that is currently being used by modern internet solutions is running out. Eventually, Wi-Fi technology will not be able to support our growing demands for data. Now, the attention may be shifting to a promising new communications technology called Li-Fi.
Li-Fi, short for “Light Fidelity” is a communication system/Wi-Fi alternative that utilizes light, rather than radio waves, to communicate. This wireless optical networking technology uses LED lamps to transmit and receive data through light pulses that cannot be seen by the naked eye, and has the capability to be up to 100 times faster than other Wi-Fi connections. Since this communication approach uses light, it has the advantage of using the greater bandwidth capacity of the light spectrum, which can allow for faster and more secure connections. Since light waves cannot penetrate walls or objects, Li-Fi systems make it harder for unwanted parties to intercept data signals. Li-Fi can provide network connectivity in places where Wi-Fi might not be able to, like areas that experience electromagnetic interference such as hospitals, schools, or airplanes. This development in wireless communications might just revolutionize how we access the internet due to its superior efficiency and range.
It is believed, so far, that Li-Fi technology is environmentally friendly, as well. Li-Fi systems do not need modems, routers, antennas, signal repeaters, wave amplifiers, etc., all of which consume energy constantly. With the LED bulbs used in Li-Fi technology, no additional power consumption is needed, which can help reduce costs for users and provide a healthier alternative for the environment. It is thought that, in the future, Li-Fi equipped lighting fixtures in the ceiling might be used, which would allow a data connection through a building’s existing powerline infrastructure and disseminate data wirelessly via the light bulb. Li-Fi also has the potential to use solar energy to transmit signals, eliminating the need for an alternative electricity source. Plus, Li-Fi might be able to be used in the future to bring internet access to remote or underdeveloped regions of the world that would not have been able to gain internet access otherwise.
The biggest disadvantage when it comes to Li-Fi is its coverage distance. Li-Fi connections depend on the line of sight between transmitters/receivers, and since light is blocked by objects or walls, the range of the Li-Fi system can be limited. Plus, Li-Fi is a relatively new technology, and until further developments are made, it will probably not be able to completely replace Wi-Fi systems any time soon. However, it can be used alongside Wi-Fi technology. It is expected that Li-Fi technology will completely change the future of wireless internet access, but it is not developed enough to do so just yet. In the coming years, Li-Fi will be a great solution for providing internet access to densely populated areas, areas that may experience interference with a Wi-Fi system, or even through water. Right now, several Li-Fi companies are working hard to make the technology developed enough to integrate it into the general public.
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