The term “LiFi” stands for Light Fidelity. It is a networking technology using light sources for transmitting data or Information. LiFi Technology is a form of visible light communication(VLC) system that makes use of a light-emitting diode (LED) for data transmission. In simpler terms, LiFi is WiFi that used light instead of Radiowaves for data transmission. It can transmit at a speed up to 224 Gbps which is much than WiFi ( around 1000 times). The maximum speed that WiFi can transmit is 100 Mbps. Efficient use of this technology in restricted areas like hospitals and air crafts or across high bandwidths.
In the coming days, LiFi may prove as a magical solution for all obstacles of 5G technology of the Internet.
How does LiFi work?
As explained above, it works on the principle of visible light communication (VLC) to transmit data. The whole operation is carried out in two stages.
In the first stage, there is a light source with the signal processing unit. The light source can be a single LED or a series of LEDs. These Led emit pulses of light in which data can travel to and from the receivers. A light source with narrow bandwidth is more effective for LiFi working. This is why LED is a more powerful source than fluorescent lights which have wider bandwidth.
The second stage of the system involves a device with a photodiode. This photodiode receives and detects light signals. Once the signals are received and demodulated,it is converted into packets of datas in form of text or images or videos or any other internet supporting applications.
History of LiFi
It was Sir Harald Hass who coined the term LiFi about 9 years ago. He used the word LiFi during a TEDGlobal talk in Edinburgh in March 2011 .Harald Haas is a Professoor of Mibile Communication at the University of Edinburgh, He is also the co-founder of pure LiFi .He ws the man to introduce the idea of “wireless data from every light”.
Advantages of LiFi
Speed
Speed upto 224Gbps in labs. If they achieve 10% of the speed practically, it calculates to be 22.4Gbps. It is estimated that this technology can work on speed 100 Gbps flawlessly. Whereas WiFi can run on speed 20Mbs on an average practically.
More Security
LiFi seems to be more secure than WiFi. It is more easier to hack the WiFi and are even vulnerable to force attacks. But as explained WiFi uses light for data transmission and light cannot penetrate opaque objects. Hence chances of being hacked is less .Datas transmitted by this technique remain confined within a fixed space.
Economical
The component used in this technology –LED is very cheap. So it can be estimated that the cost of LiFi shall be pretty less and nowhere matching with WiFi. LED is also energy efficient, thus we can save energy too.
Reliable Availability
It is assumed that when this technology gets fully developed, the device can be operated even using streetlight, office or room lights which increases the reliable availability manifolds.
Intererence
LiFi is able to perform well even in those areas where WiFi fails. WiFi is susceptible to electromagnetic waves and this is the reason it cannot be used in aeroplanes or hospitals or any other restricted places like research labs or Military places. This critical can be solved by new technology Lifi having no interference to such electromagnetic waves.
Efficient
Operating efficiency of the technology is much satisfactory due to LEDs used in the device as LEDs itself are highly efficient.
Limatation
Everything in this world has both pros and cons. Likewise Lifi has both advantages and limitations. Some of them are briefed below-
Range limitation
As this device has limited range, the no. of routers required will be more . This additional infrastructure will cost additionally.But it is obvious that small users can run on a single router.
LiFi & Internet
LiFI can ,no doubt send the datas at very high speed. But what will happen if the Internet speed itself is slow? It willl be helpless. In such a condition it has no meaning, Hence It can perform well only if Internet supports it.
Future of LiFi Technology
Comparision between WiFi and LiFi Technology
If the fully developed device LiFi is launched, It shall have bright future . It can be magical solution for the new world of Internet with all possible solutions of 5G technology.It has potential to change the concepts of all living styles, businesses,administration and research works.
| DESCRIPTION | LiFi | WiFi |
| Working Principle | Uses Visible light to communicate | Uses Electromagnetic waves to communicate |
| Speed | Higher | Lower |
| Cost | Cheaper | Costly |
| Security | More Secure | Less Secure |
| Reliability | More | Less |
| Probability of Availability | Higher | Lower |
| Interference in working | No | Yes |
| Energy Efficient | Yes | No |
| Operating Range | 10 M | 30 M |
Also Read – https://rajpatautomation.com/internet-of-things-iot/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is LiFi better than WiFi ?
LiFi has wide advantages over WiFi in terms of speed, security,reliable presence, economy, efficiency etc. This makes it better than WiFi.
- 2. Does LiFi technology work in Dark?
It doesnot perform in dark but it responds to dim light also.
- Why do we need the new technology
Whole world is now dependent on online data. To gain the wide range of advantages and benefits, we need LiFi.
- Is it harmful?
Nobody has claimed it as harmful.
- Can LiFi technology be hacked?
There are lesser chances of hacking of it because it uses light source for data transmission and light cannot pass through any opaque substance.
- What is range of this system?
Range is the limitation of this technology. It can operate upto 10-12 metres.
- Is LiFi cheaper than WiFi?
Definitely, it is cheaper than WiFi.
- Will LiFi replace WiFi?
Initially users may not have light enabled device to use LiFI. So, in near future there are less chances to replace WiFi But in due course of time,it will definitely do.
- Is it available in India?
Though, it was released in 2017, it is not available in India presently.
- Can it be used in aircrafts?
Yes, it can be used in aircrafts easily.
- Is it a bidirectional?
Yes, it is bidirectional. It can upload as well as download datas.