LiFi Technology can transfer data 100x faster

LiFi Technology can transfer data 100x faster

We have all used data transfer applications like Xender and gasped at the data transfer speed from one device to another. However, scientists are in the final stages of developing a more advanced and eco-friendly data transfer protocol called Li-Fi. The existing technology Wi-Fi uses radio frequency for transmission. Radio frequency and its abuse to nature has long been debated. Radio frequency has caused irreparable damage to a number of species.

Li-Fi uses visible light to transfer data and is at least 100 times faster than its RF compatriot. Adding to the brownie points is the fact that it has no hazardous impact on the ecosystem and consumes lesser power.

Let’s understand 7 reasons why Li-Fi is soon going to replace Wi-Fi.

  1. Higher Speed: Li-Fi uses visible light to transfer data. So even on a very conservative calculation, it can transfer at a speed 100 times faster than Wi-Fi.
  2. No External Power Required: As the transmission occurs on LEDs, the system does not require an additional power source. The receiver section has an LDR to receive the radiation which is then passed on the next section to process and retrieve the information.
  3. No Antenna Used: Antennas consume a lot of energy. The biggest advantage of using Li-Fi is that the system can be built without a transmitting and receiving antenna. This reduces power usage by over 50% thus making it not only faster but also more energy efficient than wireless communication method.
  4. Data Security: In today’s age, Data and Information Security has gained paramount importance. Hackers are becoming more advanced and look to steal sensitive and confidential data during transmission. As light is the medium of transmission in Li-Fi, it is virtually impossible to sneak into the transmission channel without breaking the transmission flow.
  5. No Harmful Radiation: Environmental experts have been warning us about the ill effects of RF for a long time now. However, due to lack of a competing technology we are still heavily dependent on it. Well no more. Li-Fi is completely safe to the environment.
  6. Free Spectrum: Light is not a licensed spectrum and does not involve any organization who has rights over the medium. So, no royalty amount is involved in developing and commercializing the technology. This can also contribute to reduce device cost.
  7. Hazard Free: Li-Fi is completely safe transmission protocol even in hazardous and radioactivity-free environments like petrol pumps, mines, petro-chemical plants and hospitals.

The block diagram below gives a simple explanation about the function Li-Fi technology.

Wi-Fi is slowly wearing out and would not be able to cater to the growing demands. As radio frequency is limited in bandwidth, it can logically last few more years considering the escalating growth in usage of mobile phones and technology gadgets. In such a case, it is vital to look for upcoming technologies that are more advanced and can accommodate higher traffic than wireless medium.

Though Li-Fi is still under development, it’s the best possible alternative to Wi-Fi. Wireless data transfer is slowly wearing out and is in the horizon of being discarded.

2 Comments

  • Avinash Magdum Posted April 26, 2020 9:21 am

    Could we develop a small prototype to demomstrate the concept of LiFi to students? I know its still under development, so the prototype may not be very efficient, but if we can show at least a small set of data transferred from one device to another?

    • User Avatar
      Pritam Nanda Posted April 26, 2020 1:46 pm

      Hi. It’s possible to develop a LiFi data transmission. Of course, it will be a bit buggy. But it will definitely be an interesting watch for kids.

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