We are all aware of the magic that Wi-Fi has brought into our lives, but the Li-Fi technology, which stands for Light Fidelity, is set to be the game-changer in the world of the internet. It promises high-speed and seamless wireless communication and is poised to be the biggest competitor to Wi-Fi. In general, information and data will be transmitted through light instead of traditional radio frequencies. Developed by the innovative Dr. Harald Haas, Li-Fi technology sounds fascinating, doesn’t it? Let’s take a closer look at what it really is.
1. Exceptional Speed:
The primary difference between Li-Fi and Wi-Fi lies in the technology used; while Wi-Fi operates using radio waves, Li-Fi utilizes visible light waves. Referring back to basic physics, we find that the frequencies of visible light are 10,000 times greater than those of radio waves. Consequently, the speed offered by Li-Fi will far surpass that of Wi-Fi. In tests conducted at the company that pioneered this technology, internet speeds reached 1 gigabit per second. Moreover, laboratory tests have shown that Li-Fi could achieve speeds of up to 224 gigabits per second!
2. Cost-Effectiveness:
Li-Fi aims to be more energy-efficient. Companies will not need to install new towers, as the infrastructure is already nearly complete, thanks to the millions of light bulbs around us! Li-Fi relies on LED lights, which allow users to adjust the intensity of the beams even at high speeds. This means data can be transmitted to receiving devices like smartphones and laptops. In other words, you can simply leverage existing LED lights to access the internet.
3. Enhanced Security:
While it is well-known that your Wi-Fi network can be hacked from outside your home, this is not the case with Li-Fi. A hacker would require light waves for transmission, and since light cannot penetrate walls, the signal will be confined to areas illuminated by the light source. Additionally, the light waves do not interfere with sensitive industrial devices and navigation systems. This feature makes it possible to use the internet in airplanes, hospitals, and other environments where radio wave usage is prohibited.
In this context, the British Academy for Training and Development offers a variety of courses and training programs in information and communication technology, including a course on the latest wired and wireless communication systems.