Say hello to Li-Fi, a new method to transfer high speed data wireless within your confined working spaces without radio interference.

This method uses visible spectrum to transmit data by a light source e.g. a LED bulb, internet connection and a photo detector.

It was tested this week by Estonian start-up Velmenni, in Tallinn.
Velmenni used a li-fi-enabled light bulb to transmit data at speeds of 1Gbps. Laboratory tests have shown theoretical speeds of up to 224Gbps.

The term li-fi was first coined by Prof Harald Haas from Edinburgh University, who demonstrated the technology at a Ted (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference in 2011.
The advantages of this technology is that a light bulb could a wireless hotspot and it does not interfere with other radio signals, so could be utilised on aircraft and in other places where interference is an issue.
While the spectrum for radio waves is in short supply, the visible light spectrum is 10,000 times larger, meaning it is unlikely to run out any time soon.

The drawback is that the signal  cannot travel across wall and deployed outdoors in direct sunlight (since it uses light source). Mirrors would also interfere with the signal too.  This technology would supplement wi-fi networks, such as in congested urban areas or places where wi-fi is not safe, such as hospitals.

 

By Harry