IEEE International Organization approved the new 802.11BB standard for wireless data transfer using light. This technology, called Lifi (Light Fidelity), can be faster and safer than traditional wireless methods such as WiFi or 5G. However, Lifi is not going to replace existing technologies, but rather supplement them in certain situations.
Lifi uses ordinary LED lamps that blink with a high frequency, transmitting data in the form of photons. The receivers installed on devices are able to detect these photons and convert them back into information. Users should not notice flicker, as it occurs at frequencies above 60 Hz – too fast for the human eye. In addition, LIFI can be 100 times faster than WiFi, reaching potentially 224 GB/s.
companies engaged in the development of this technology, including Purelifi, Fraunhofer Hhi and Philips, have introduced it into lighting systems, so that devices can receive the Internet through ceiling lamps in houses or offices. Fraunhofer HHI proposed using LIFI to improve transport, transmitting data using street lamps, traffic lights and headlights of cars, which can allow data exchange between vehicles.
The Internet based on light can have several advantages over WiFi or 5G, in addition to high speeds. Since he does not use radio waves, he can be useful in places where the radio frequency spectrum is already overloaded. Moreover, LIFI can support a strong signal in conditions where other wireless technologies usually experience difficulties, for example, inside the tunnels. Lifi is also safer, since it does not penetrate through opaque objects, preventing the possibility of tracking, suppressing or intercepting networks through the walls or outside the reach of the light source.
However, the requirement of connecting in direct sight or reflection is a significant drawback, since it limits the potential range of the LIFI network. For this reason, he will rather complement, and not replace current wireless technologies.
In addition, the use of LIFI requires other receivers than those that manufacturers already offer consumers and manufacturers for WiFi or 5G, increasing the amount of technical trash. Purelifi proposed the light antenna for introduction to future smartphones, a USB receiver for existing computers and other Lifi-based products.