A unique technology is around the corner, potentially changing how we connect to the internet. I'm sure there's a sci-fi movie reference in here somewhere. It poses different advantages than traditional Wi-Fi. Although it is still too early to say what this means for broadband in our homes, it does offer promise as well as certain limitations. What is this new technology, where is it available, and how does it work?
What is Li-Fi?
Light Fidelity, also known as Li-Fi, uses the power of light to transmit data. Yes, you heard that correctly: This technology harnesses light signals to connect to the internet. Unlike Wi-Fi, which uses radio waves to create a wireless connection, Li-Fi relies on light to transmit data. Through this process, Li-Fi promises speeds that are 100 times faster than Wi-Fi.
Research for Li-Fi has been around since the early 2000s. Alongside his team, German physicist Harald Haas founded this technology by discovering that light can be used for two-way data transmission. It wasn't long before French company Oledcomm, one of the global leaders in this technology, began conducting its experiments on Li-Fi in 2008. In July, Europe launched Ariane 6 into space, carrying out four experiments, one geared toward testing Li-Fi technology.
How does Li-Fi work?
Li-Fi functions as a Visible Light Communications system; at its core, data is transferred from LED light bulbs. These bulbs carry pulses of light that produce information similar to Morse code. No, this process can't be seen by the naked eye. The game-changers in this scenario are the compatible devices that can synthesize this information rapidly.
What does this mean for the internet?
Wi-Fi, also known as wireless fidelity, first emerged in 1996. In the past few years, the development of technologies like Wi-Fi 6 and 6E and the introduction of Wi-Fi 7 have transformed how we stay connected.
Li-Fi vs. Wi-Fi
With Li-Fi, data is transferred at an accelerated rate compared to Wi-Fi, resulting in higher speeds. Speeds aren't the only important factor in a wireless connection.
The LiFi Group, a pioneer in commercializing Li-Fi technology and its products in the digital space, highlighted other notable benefits, like increased security.
"Security is another key advantage of Li-Fi because the signals are confined to the area illuminated by the light source and cannot penetrate walls. The risk of unauthorized access is greatly reduced," a spokesperson from The LiFi Group tells CNET.
Regarding speeds, Li-Fi could blow Wi-Fi out of the park. With speeds that could reach up to 224,000 megabits per second (in theory) and could be particularly advantageous for smart cities, virtual reality, 4K streaming and even online gaming, where lower latency is crucial. Additionally, because Li-Fi does not rely on radio frequencies like Wi-Fi, your connection will be free of electromagnetic interference. Li-Fi might also be safer for your home since it produces less radiation.
Li-Fi and online gaming
For avid online gamers, Li-Fi can potentially transform the gaming world. True gamers know that low latency, or ping, is important to a smooth gaming experience. Latency is how long your computer or console takes to transmit data from a specific server to the internet. More importantly, if your ping is high, then chances are your game will be disrupted by severe lag. Li-Fi's ability to transmit data at an accelerated rate promises reduced latency. Li-Fi technology can be especially beneficial for competitive games like e-sports and virtual reality. Many internet service providers, such as Verizon Fios, Frontier Fiber, Asound, Spectrum and Starlink, offer low latency but are nowhere near the promise of Li-Fi.
Security is another significant measure of how Li-Fi can transform the gaming industry. Wi-Fi uses radio waves, which can permeate through walls, making it more susceptible to threats outside your network. On the other hand, Li-Fi technology offers increased security since light signals are confined to a room, posing challenges for hackers and other cyber threats to your network.
It's worth noting this technology is still in its infancy, so we won't see its true impact until it's fully implemented in the real world.
Li-Fi Technology: Pros and cons
While this technology isn't perfect or in full use yet, there are some key things you should know:
Pros
- Speed: More data is carried out faster through light sources than with radio waves used by Wi-Fi.
- Efficiency: Li-Fi is more energy-efficient as it harnesses the power of LED light bulbs.
- Security: Li-Fi technology reduces the risk of your data being intercepted by outside threats.
- Availability: Light sources are everywhere, increasing your chances of connecting to the internet.
Cons
- Limited range: Your connection will be confined to closed spaces since this technology relies on light sources. Large establishments and businesses might have a harder time utilizing this technology.
- Limited compatibility: This is a newer technology, meaning fewer devices are equipped to decode its data.
- Doesn't solve slow internet speeds from ISPs: If you are on your provider's slowest plan or are experiencing throttled speeds, Li-Fi won't solve these issues.
Is Li-Fi too good to be true?
The most common critique against Li-Fi is its line of sight requirement. According to Oldecomm, this technology relies on line of sight, meaning users must always be in the presence of light signals to maintain their connection to the internet. This would be particularly difficult for millions of Americans who use the internet while commuting or traveling. This is probably why Li-Fi faces many limitations in breaking into the mainstream market. Among other things, Li-Fi faces challenges regarding further industry promotion.
The LiFi Group spokesperson tells CNET that "we need more efforts in terms of standardization, partnerships, and lobbying to raise awareness and drive adoption."
So, where can I find Li-Fi?
At present, Li-Fi is still in its research phase in the US and other parts of the world. It might take some time before we see how Li-Fi will impact the internet. Li-Fi is projected to be rolled out in the mainstream market within the next couple of years. Oledcomm is predicting that Li-Fi will be available anytime between 2024 and 2029. Implementing this technology will solely depend on company investments.
On the bright side, we might not be that far away as we're seeing new products emerge for home internet users.
Trulifi 6002: Is it worth it?
Just in Dec. 2024, in a partnership with Signify, the LiFi Group introduced the Trulifi 6002 which harnesses the power of light that delivers much faster speeds than Wi-Fi. It features lower latency, which means you can video call, game and stream without any disruptions.
While we wait for Li-Fi to hit the mainstream, Trulifi 6002 is available in the US and worldwide. It requires an Access Point, USB Keys, Transmitters, and Ceiling Mounts. The caveat? Pricing is very steep compared to Wi-Fi. On average, monthly internet costs $63 a month, including installation, which will range between $50 to $100 or more. Still, that's nowhere near how much you'd pay for Trulifi. The Access Point, which powers your Li-Fi network, costs $770. You may pay upwards of $1,000 in total, including the required parts, just to get started.
A spokesperson from the LiFi Group tells CNET that "setup is quick and easy, it works as a plug-and-play solution with minimal installation effort." Sure, Li-Fi poses great benefits you otherwise can't get from traditional Wi-Fi. If you don't mind paying the hefty price to try out this technology, then go for it.
Li-Fi across different industries
Li-Fi technology would benefit many sectors like defense and government, increasing the ability to transmit data securely.
Datamatics Business Solutions/Screenshot by CNETThe LiFi Group describes this technology to be crucial for sectors like defense and government, which is optimal for transferring data securely. For instance, the emergence of Vibrint LiFi in April of last year has led to the use of Li-Fi to promote secure communication among government and national security organizations. Other industries, like aviation, are also making rounds, as seen with Spectrum Networks LLC, which is based in Fife, Washington.
Moreover, there is an increased interest among US companies that are funding research to develop this technology. VLNComm, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is a leader in VLC technology and pivotal in developing Li-Fi. In addition, the company Signify, known for its energy-efficient lighting products, is also a key player in VLC technology. This company is headquartered in the Netherlands, but its North American corporation is nestled in Bridgewater, New Jersey. Both companies are doing work that will lay down the foundation of Li-Fi technology.
What's next for Li-Fi?
'We've been in discussions with several leading companies, not only within the Li-Fi and wireless communication sectors but also across industries such as consumer electronics, automotive, telecommunications, logistics and more," says the LiFi Group spokesman. "The growing demand for innovative connectivity solutions, especially in environments where traditional wireless technologies face limitations, will likely drive more companies to explore and invest in Li-Fi in the near future."
What's the bottom line on Li-Fi?
Li-Fi technology seems like a great alternative to Wi-Fi and, in theory, might benefit many industries. It's still too early to say that this technology will replace Wi-Fi as a whole. It might take some time before we actually see tangible evidence of its impact on wireless connectivity. Li-Fi is promising, as we see increased interest among companies in introducing new products and funding research to develop the standard. Until then, we'll keep you up-to-date on new developments with this technology.
'What is Li-Fi' FAQs
How is Li-Fi different from Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi uses radio waves to create a wireless connection, whereas Li-Fi uses light signals to transmit data. Li-Fi offers different advantages than Wi-Fi, such as the ability to transmit more data at an accelerated rate, resulting in speeds that are 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. The main advantage of Wi-Fi is it offers a broader range of connectivity since radio waves can pass through walls. Li-Fi, on the other hand, relies on a direct line of sight for light signals, meaning your connection will be confined to closed spaces.
Li-Fi is in use across different industries (defense, government, medical and automotive), but the technology is still in its research phase. It's too early to say how it will impact the public's internet use. Oledcomm projects that Li-Fi will be rolled out into the mainstream market between 2024 and 2029.
While we wait for Li-Fi to officially hit the mainstream, Signify and the LiFi Group have introduced Trulifi 6002, which is available to customers in the US. If you're curious about Li-Fi technology. This product harnesses Li-Fi technology and features faster speeds than Wi-Fi. However, it's worth noting that trying this product out could come with a steep price tag.
Trulifi 6002 is a new product introduced by Signify and the LiFi Group. This product utilizes Li-Fi technology to connect to the internet. It boasts faster speeds than Wi-Fi and lower latency, which is suitable for avid gamers. While we wait for Li-Fi to hit the mainstream, Trulifi is available nationwide, making it a good opportunity to try out the technology. Installation is also quick and easy, a LiFi Group spokesperson tells CNET.
The downside is that this product requires many different parts that are significantly pricier than Wi-Fi. The Access Point, the central unit that powers your Li-Fi network, costs $770. You may pay upwards of $1,000 in total, including the required parts, just to get started.
Is Li-Fi good for online gaming?
Yes. In theory, Li-Fi technology could benefit online gaming due to its low latency. Li-Fi is also more secure since it uses light signals confined to a room. Wi-Fi uses radio waves, which can permeate through walls and is more susceptible to hackers and cyber threats.
What are the limitations with Li-Fi technology?
Li-Fi has its advantages, but it also poses certain limitations. Li-Fi technology has limited range and compatibility and won't solve the slow internet speeds caused by your ISPs. The main disadvantage of Li-Fi is that it relies on a direct line of sight of light signals to power your connection. Why does this matter? Li-Fi's line of sight requirement can pose challenges for the many Americans who commute or travel daily.
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