Li-Fi – New technology uses light to connect to the internet

           Nowadays, wherever you look you find that the internet has become a part of most people’s lives. No matter where you go, there is usually somewhere that you can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity). However, there are still some places that cannot connect easily to the internet, and so many parties are looking for a way to provide internet access that can cover every area.
In this age of Digital Transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), will connect things together via a large network for the exchange and sharing of information that is accurate, practical, and updated in real-time. However some places are not accessible to Wi-Fi and this where Li-Fi or Light Fidelity comes in. For those who don’t have any idea of what Li-Fi is, let’s find out together.

What is Li-Fi?
           Li-Fi, which stands for Light Fidelity, is a new technology that works similarly to Wi-Fi, but through transmitting data through light not radio waves. This data transmission uses LED bulbs, so that wherever we go, so long as we can produce light from some bulbs, we can access the internet. In theory it can send data more than 10-100 times faster than Wi-Fi.

           Li-Fi also has other advantages over Wi-Fi as it will enable a high-speed connection at a lower cost, it can operate with LED bulbs that can be found easily in households or general buildings, and it offers higher security levels for data transmission, as light cannot be intercepted like radio signals. However, there is a downside to this technology, as the connection can easily be interrupted if the light beam is blocked, and it lacks stability in an outdoor area with natural light.

           Nevertheless, some organizations have actually started using Li-Fi in areas where Wi-Fi is prohibited, such as in air transportation. AirBus has developed Li-Fi for use in various control rooms on their aircraft. They are also preparing to install this system on every airplane so that passengers will be able to plug in a special piece of equipment to their devices to use the internet service. Apple’s latest iOS operating system also supports Li-Fi systems on aircraft. Li-Fi could also be used in industries that are vulnerable to other disturbances, such as some areas in hospitals, chemical plants, or power plants.

           If Li-Fi technology is developed systematically, we might see a lot of start-up companies trying to build a Smart Home that uses Li-Fi light systems to provide convenience to its residents. Global Market Insights predicts that by 2023 Li-Fi will have a market share of more than 75.5 billion dollars. So, in the near future we may see LED lamps that can do more than just illuminate a room.

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