Will groundbreaking new technologies change how we access the internet in the future?

A completely new and promising wireless connectivity technology is emerging, with the potential to change the way we access the internet every day.

Unlike traditional Wi-Fi, Li-Fi technology offers significant advantages, although it is still too early to determine its true impact on home broadband systems.

So what is this technology, how does it work, and could it replace Wi-Fi in the future?

What is Li-Fi technology?

Li-Fi, short for Light Fidelity, is a wireless data transmission technology that uses light. Instead of using radio waves like traditional Wi-Fi, Li-Fi utilizes visible light from LEDs to transmit signals, opening up the potential for speeds up to 100 times faster than Wi-Fi.

The idea for Li-Fi began to take shape in the early 2000s. German physicist Harald Haas and his research team pioneered the demonstration that light could be used to transmit data bidirectionally, laying the foundation for this technology.

In 2008, Oledcomm (France), one of the pioneers in the field of Li-Fi, began conducting real-world trials. Most recently, in July, Europe launched the Ariane 6 spacecraft into orbit with four onboard experiments, including one related to the application of Li-Fi technology in space.

How does Li-Fi work?

Essentially, Li-Fi is a communication system that uses visible light to transmit data. Special LED bulbs act as transmitters, flashing at extremely high speeds to create pulses of light, similar to digital Morse code.

However, these signals are completely invisible to the naked eye. What makes this technology a breakthrough is that suitable receiving devices can decode these light pulses into digital data, allowing for near-instantaneous transmission at impressive speeds.

How will LiFi change the way people connect to the internet?

Since Wi-Fi – the wireless technology – first launched in 1996, the world has witnessed tremendous advancements with generations of Wi-Fi 6, 6E, and most recently Wi-Fi 7, continuously improving the wireless connectivity experience. However, with the emergence of Li-Fi, the game may be entering a completely new chapter.

LiFi transmits data using light instead of radio waves, resulting in incredibly high transmission speeds. In theory, LiFi technology can achieve speeds of up to 224,000 megabits per second (Mbps).

But speed isn't the only advantage. LiFi Group, a pioneer in commercializing this technology, emphasizes that security is also a breakthrough because Li-Fi signals only work in illuminated areas and cannot penetrate walls, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Besides eliminating electromagnetic interference commonly found in Wi-Fi, Li-Fi is also considered the optimal solution for applications requiring low latency such as smart cities, virtual reality, 4K streaming, and online gaming.

At the same time, because it uses LED lighting – a light source that is already common and energy-efficient – ​​Li-Fi also contributes to reducing radiation and is more friendly to human health.

However, this technology is still in its early stages of development and will need time to prove its practical applicability on a large scale.

What are the outstanding advantages of Li-Fi?

- High speed: Superior data transmission speed compared to Wi-Fi radio waves.

- Energy efficiency: Utilizing readily available LED lighting saves electricity.

- Enhanced security: The signal is limited to the illuminated area, making it difficult to access from the outside.

- Wide coverage: Light is present everywhere, opening up opportunities for Internet coverage in more locations.

What are the disadvantages of Li-Fi?

- Limited range: Connection is limited to areas with direct sunlight; cannot penetrate walls.

- Limited device support: The technology is new, and the number of compatible devices is still limited.

- Cannot fix weak bandwidth from ISP: If your internet service plan is slow, LiFi cannot increase the original connection speed.

Despite the many obstacles ahead, the potential that Li-Fi offers for the future of digital connectivity is undeniable. With its ultra-fast speeds, high security, and diverse applications, Li-Fi could be a crucial link in the next generation of wireless network ecosystems.

Where does Li-Fi technology stand in the real world?

Currently, Li-Fi is still in the research and testing phase in the US and many other countries. Although not yet widely used in daily life, experts predict that this technology will gradually penetrate the mainstream market in the next few years.

According to Oledcomm, a pioneering Li-Fi company based in France, the timeline for widespread deployment could fall between 2024 and 2029, depending on the pace of investment from businesses.

A positive sign is that Li-Fi is gradually being tested in many industrial sectors. The LiFi Group states that this technology is particularly suitable for sectors requiring high security, such as defense and government, thanks to its ability to securely transmit data in enclosed spaces.

In the aviation industry, a prime example is Spectrum Networks LLC, based in Fife, Washington (USA), which is actively applying Li-Fi to its in-flight connectivity solutions.

In the US, many technology companies are increasing their investment in Li-Fi research. VLNComm, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is one of the leading companies in light-based communication technology (VLC), playing a key role in realizing the potential of Li-Fi.

Alongside this, Signify – a renowned lighting brand from the Netherlands – is also leading the way in integrating VLC technology into smart lighting solutions.

These advancements suggest that the future of Li-Fi is not far off. With the convergence of technological platforms, infrastructure, and investment capital, Li-Fi has the potential to become a vital part of the digital world's wireless connectivity ecosystem.

What will Li-Fi's next step be?

According to representatives from Li-Fi Group, data transmission technology using light is attracting interest from many leading corporations, not only in the field of communications and wireless connectivity, but also expanding into industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, and logistics.

“We have been working with major companies across various sectors,” a spokesperson for Li-Fi Group shared. “As the demand for disruptive connectivity solutions grows, especially in environments where traditional wireless technologies show limitations, Li-Fi has a great opportunity to break through. This interest will drive investment and expansion of Li-Fi technology in the near future.”