Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is a technology that may soon replace the usual Wi-Fi. It is a bidirectional high speed wireless communication technology. For better understanding, this technology uses light to send wireless data that is embedded in its beam. Gadgets that support Li-Fi technology convert a beam of light from LED bulbs into an electrical signal, and then this signal is converted into data.
The main advantage of Li-Fi over Wi-Fi is the data transfer rate, which is almost 100 times higher. According to some information, the speed of the Internet connection can reach more than 1 gigabyte per second.
Li-Fi, unlike Wi-Fi, does not interfere with radio signals. This ensures the highest speed Internet connection without interference and interruptions. Li-Fi technology is more secure than Wi-Fi. It provides additional protection for users’ personal data, as light is blocked by walls. On the other hand, Wi-Fi is easy to hack because the technology has a wider reach and the signal is not blocked by walls.
However, there are some disadvantages caused by the same reasons. As it was mentioned before, Li-Fi signals cannot pass through walls, as they depend on the emitted light. Therefore, for a full connection, LED lamps must be placed throughout the whole house. For Wi-Fi, of course, this problem does not exist.
To ensure an uninterrupted connection, you need the light to be constantly turned on. Wi-Fi uses radio frequencies to communicate, but their number is limited. Therefore, when several devices are connected to the network, the data transfer rate drops. Whereas LEDs use light wave frequencies that are hundreds of times greater, which allows Li-Fi to operate at a consistently high speed.
Technologies are constantly developing. Soon, each of our devices will be constantly connected to the Internet. Can Wi-Fi handle all this Internet traffic alone? I don’t think so.
Nevertheless, when LiFi technology will be commercialized, no one knows. It should be at least integrated into phones, laptops and become free for the users. Only then it will start its exponential growth and mass adoption.
Considering everything mentioned, Li-Fi cannot completely replace the beloved Wi-Fi yet, but, undoubtedly, it will become an excellent assistant in the development of a global communications network.
References:
https://lifi.co/what-is-lifi/
https://www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-around-you/technology-our-lives/lifi#gref