Press the light switch, and the data flows. This is not science fiction, but the idea of an inventor. It could be an alternative to WiFi that is based on light: LiFi.
The European Inventor Award is something like the Oscar or Nobel Prize for engineers. It will be awarded in Valencia on July 4th. Harald Haas, who grew up in Trautskirchen near Neustadt an der Aisch in Bavaria, holds a chair in mobile communications at the University of Edinburgh and is nominated for the award. He has developed a faster alternative to WiFi. His invention, LiFi, is based on light.
LED enables high data rate.
Data transfer with light is made possible by a slightly modified LED lamp. Haas has been working on this for more than 20 years, and his vision has now become a reality. He has created an alternative to WLAN, or WiFi in English: Light Fidelity or LiFi.
Light Fidelity uses light waves for data transmission rather than radio waves, explains Haas. “The bandwidth that light offers is three thousand times greater than the entire radio spectrum, and the bandwidth is not subject to any regulations,” explains the researcher. This is in contrast to radio-based mobile data networks. Licenses do not have to be paid for them either. “It is an infinite resource that we want to use to be able to communicate with our smartphones, with our virtual reality headsets, with our 3D glasses,” enthuses Haas.
High data security with LiFi.
A small module for sending and receiving makes this possible. It is now so small that it fits into any electronic device – it is only five by ten millimeters in size. This invention could revolutionize wireless communication.
The technology is not yet widespread, but is already being tested and appreciated in the military sector – and is also of interest to commercial companies, Haas is certain of that. “LiFi is blocked by walls, blocked by ceilings, and this creates increased security .”
Inventor wants to convince smartphone manufacturers.
Haas took his first steps as a scientist at the Ohm University in Nuremberg, then went to the International University of Bremen and then to Edinburgh as a professor of mobile communications. He is also supervising a Humboldt research project at the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen -Nuremberg.
Haas has been in Scotland for so long that he speaks German with a slight accent. He has now been nominated for the European Inventor Award for the development and patents for LiFi. And he hopes that this attention will help him in negotiations with potential users. Mobile phone providers in particular are crucial to future success.
Solution for high data transfer?
“The innovators in the mobile and smartphone sector that we are currently talking to will hopefully integrate this into their phones. That is an important step,” explains Haas. He expects that the first LiFi-capable smartphones will come onto the market in two to three years. “Instead of a third or fourth camera, that would be a real innovation,” emphasizes the developer.
His hope is not unrealistic – radio wave technology such as 4G and 5G is reaching its limits when it comes to mobile data transmission. The aim of modern technology is to transport as much data as possible as quickly as possible. And so the scientist could make a decisive contribution to the mobile data world of the future – and receive one of the most important European prizes for it.
What is LiFi?
LiFi, or “Light Fidelity,” is a wireless optical networking technology that utilizes light emitting diodes (LEDs) to transfer data. In 2011, during the TED Global Talk on Visible Light Communication (VLC), professor Harald Haas demonstrated LiFi. You can view the demonstration through the following link.
VLC uses light as a medium for high-speed communication, similar to Wi-Fi, and conforms to the IEEE standard IEEE 802.15.7, a bidirectional and fully networked wireless communication technology-based standard, similar to Wi-Fi’s IEEE 802.11.
How does LiFi work?
LiFi is a high-speed, bidirectional, and fully networked wireless communication technology that uses light to transmit data. It consists of multiple lightbulbs that form a wireless network.
When an electrical current is applied to an LED light bulb, it emits a stream of light (photons). LED bulbs are semiconductor devices, which means that the brightness of the light passing through them can be changed at very high speeds. This allows the signal to be sent by modulating the light at different rates. A detector interprets the changes in light intensity (the signal) as data. When the LED is ON, a digital 1 is transmitted, and when it is OFF, a 0 is transmitted.
The changes in light intensity due to modulation are not visible to the human eye, allowing seamless communication similar to other radio systems, enabling users to stay connected in LiFi-enabled environments. Using this method, data can be transmitted from an LED light bulb and back at high speeds.
Visible Light Communication
Visible Light Communication, or VLC, involves the transmission of data through light sources emitting at visible wavelengths between 400 and 800 THz (780–375 nm). It is a subset of optical wireless communications technologies.
The VLC market is still in its early stages. There is a growing demand for an alternative wireless communication technology due to the crowded Radio Frequency (RF) bandwidth. This will lead to the global adoption of VLC technology. As VLC technology is based on LEDs , it does not face distortions or spectrum deficits and can transfer data at tremendous speeds.
LiFi vs Wi-Fi
LiFi uses light for data transmission, while WiFi uses electromagnetic waves at radio frequencies for data transmission. Due to less interference from light compared to radio frequency waves, LiFi is suitable for use in denser environments.
LiFi covers a distance of about 10 meters, while WiFi covers approximately 30 meters.
Cost of LiFi
For consumers, obtaining LiFi products from different LiFi companies can be quite expensive. According to pureLiFi, they are currently focusing on miniaturizing LiFi technology to make it more affordable for consumers in the long run. The ultimate goal is to have LiFi in every mobile device , making the technology affordable for integration into handsets, tablets, and laptops.
Ultimately, the end consumer will see minimal or no cost associated with LiFi, as the aim is to have LiFi integrated into every wireless mobile device. Companies can currently collaborate with pureLiFi on proof of concept projects and other types of installations. The pricing of these installations depends on individual requirements, and pureLiFi only offers B2B services.
Here is our constantly expanding list of commonly asked questions about LiFi technology.
1) What is the operational principle of LiFi?
To utilize LiFi technology from the perspective of visible light, users typically need a transmitter, such as an LED light, and a receiver consisting of a photodetector material. The transmitter is connected to the network to modulate digital data along with the flickering light emitted from the LED light source. The receiver then captures the light and decodes the modulated information.
In a LiFi system, the transmitter is an LED that produces white light. This can be achieved in two ways. The first method involves combining red, green, and blue (RGB) LEDs to create white light. The second method involves using a blue Indium Gallium Nitride (InGaN) emitter to excite a yellow phosphor coating to emit white light.
The white LED chips are usually grouped in arrays to create a combined emitter with higher radiant output flux. As the transmitter serves the dual purpose of illumination and data transmission, the required illuminance of the task area determines the transmitted power of the LEDs used.
The receiver frontend typically consists of a photodiode, pre-amplifier, an optical concentrator, and an optional optical filter. The received light passes through the optical filter, which eliminates background radiation and the slow component from the yellow phosphor emission at the transmitter. filtered light is focused onto the photodiode by a collimator lens. The photodiode converts the received light to an electrical current.
2) What makes LiFi so great?
The properties of light provide significant advantages to LiFi. As mentioned previously, it offers an extremely wide and unregulated spectrum that can be used to achieve very high data rates, particularly by transmitting data over parallel wavelengths.
LiFi offers enhanced security compared to Radio Frequency (RF) technologies since light beams cannot pass through obstacles and can be easily manipulated by optical systems, reducing the risk of casual eavesdropping.
Light does not interfere with RF, making LiFi an intriguing solution to supplement and relieve the RF spectrum, as well as to provide wireless connectivity in areas where RF is restricted due to electromagnetic interference or health concerns.
One of LiFi’s recent key concepts is to repurpose the existing LED lighting infrastructure to provide network access, as more than 70% of the traffic occurs indoors. This allows for addressing the growing need for connectivity with minimal additional energy cost and without the necessity of deploying new and dedicated infrastructure, making LiFi an environmentally friendly technology.
3) What are the drawbacks of LiFi?
Like any technology, there are advantages and disadvantages. Below are some of the downsides of LiFi technology:
1) LiFi requires a clear line of sight.
2) If the system is installed outdoors, it must contend with changing weather conditions.
3) If the system is set up indoors, the receiver cannot be moved. The issue of how the receiver will transmit back to the transmitter still remains.
4) Light waves can be easily blocked and cannot penetrate thick walls like radio waves can. We become reliant on the light source for internet access, so if the light source fails, we lose internet access.
5) Current high costs of most LiFi systems. Generally, LiFi systems can be expensive to purchase.
6) Insufficient infrastructure and standards to support the universal integration of LiFi components on all devices.
4) Does LiFi require a direct line of sight?
First, let’s understand what Line of sight (LOS) means. Line of sight is the imaginary line between an observer and the target. In communication, line of sight is the direct path from a transmitter to the receiver and the obstacles that may obstruct that path.
Efficient LiFi communication can only be achieved with Line-of-Sight. If either the receiver or transmitter moves from its intended position, miscommunication may occur. However, a few months ago, Jean-Paul Linnartz, a Technical Leader at ELIoT Signify Research and a Professor at the Eindhoven University of Technology, demonstrated the LiFi MIMO approach. The implementation of a LiFi Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) approach can help avoid signal loss if the line of sight is obstructed.
5) Is LiFi faster than Wi-Fi?
The answer is YES. The highest speed recorded for LiFi transmission was around 224 Gbps at the Oxford University research labs. With a 60-degree field of view, the researchers transmitted six wavelengths of 37.4 Gbps each, for an aggregate bandwidth of 224 Gbps. When the field of view was narrowed down to 36 degrees, the researchers transmitted only three wavelengths for an aggregate bandwidth of 112 Gbps.
6) What is the future potential of LiFi?
One thing is certain, LiFi is here to stay and is not going anywhere. Although since its introduction from the widely-circulated TEDTalk presentation by Professor Harald Hass in 2011, many people are still unaware of the potential and capabilities of LiFi.
“So far, we hardly see any reason why LiFi should replace the incumbents such as radio-based and cable solutions,” Thomé explained. For consumer markets to adopt LiFi, it must perform as well as WiFi at the same cost, Thomé said.
LiFi will not replace WiFi. Not yet, anyway. Maybe in 50 to 100 years, or perhaps even sooner. Time will tell.
To advance LiFi, the main challenges are standardization, cost, and widespread adoption by telecommunication players, from device to infrastructure, and the benefits of LiFi must surpass incumbent solutions, Thomé said. “The key questions we should ask ourselves about new technologies or techniques are: ‘What problem do they solve from the user perspective?,’” Thomé added.
7) Who is the pioneer of LiFi?
Professor Harald Haas is widely recognized in the LiFi community as the Pioneer of LiFi. He coined the term Light Fidelity (LiFi) and delivered a viral TEDTalk presentation on LiFi technology back in 2011. Then in 2021, along with Dr. Mostafa Afgani, he co-founded pureVLC, now known as pureLiFi.
8) Is it possible to utilize a laser in LiFi?
The response is affirmative. Lasers can indeed be utilized in LiFi. Lasers offer significant speed and capacity advantages over LEDs for LiFi and data communications. LASER LiFi is an advanced version of LiFi where a LASER is used in place of an LED. The on- off activity of a LASER is quicker compared to an LED. LASER LiFi boasts data transfer speeds of up to 10Gbps, while LED LiFi achieves only 1Gbps. The use of a LASER is aimed at achieving better performance and high data transfer speeds.
One company, Kyocera SLD, has conducted extensive research on laser LiFi. Kyocera SLD Laser’s Rudy emphasized the necessity for devices well-suited to LiFi. He explained, “We have our laser light sources in automotive headlights, in flashlights being sold on Amazon. It’s a laser-based light source. But it’s class one with respect to safety, so it can essentially be treated like an LED. This laser light is very high brightness, and it retains the high-speed capability.” The brightness of this laser light has enabled the company to transmit LiFi data over distances of up to 50 meters.
Rudy highlighted smart factories as another potential key application. Laser-based LiFi can facilitate the transfer of large volumes of data to and from workstations, personnel, vehicles, and robot workstations, contributing to the measurement, optimization, and control of operations. Rudy stated , “With RF data rates, it’s just very challenging, so we think laser LiFi is an ideal solution.”
At present, there are 4.3 billion active internet users. In the UK alone, the number of internet users amounted to approximately 62.9 million, based on the data provided by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Factbook.
According to a report by Global Market Insights, the LiFi market value is projected to reach £59.2 billion by 2023. The LiFi market is anticipated to demonstrate significant growth potential during the forecast period owing to technological advancements and the increasing demand for high-speed data communication.
The energy-efficient LED and provision of a secure wireless network are driving the growth of the LiFi market. The escalating use of the internet through smartphones and other electronic devices further fuels the expansion of the LiFi market. The growing demand for innovations and increasing technological Advancements are among the other factors responsible for propelling the growth of the LiFi market.
What exactly is Li-Fi?
Li-Fi, also known as “Light Fidelity,” is a wireless optical networking technology that utilizes light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for data transmission. In 2011, professor Harald Haas conducted a Li-Fi demonstration at the TED (Technology, Entertainment , Design) Global Talk on Visible Light Communication (VLC). Below is a video demonstration of Li-Fi technology by professor Harald Haas:
VLC employs light as a medium to enable high-speed communication similar to Wi-Fi, and complies with the IEEE standard IEEE 802.15.7. The IEEE 802.15.7 is a high-speed, bidirectional, and fully networked wireless communication technology-based standard, similar to Wi-Fi’s IEEE 802.11.
How does Li-Fi function?
Li-Fi is a high-speed, bidirectional, and fully networked wireless communication technology for data transmission using light. Li-Fi consists of multiple light bulbs that form a wireless network.
When an electrical current passes through an LED light bulb, a stream of light (photons) is emitted from the lamp. LED bulbs are semiconductor devices, meaning that the brightness of the light passing through them can change at extremely high speeds. The signal is transmitted by modulating the light at different rates. A detector can receive the signal and interpret the changes in light intensity (the signal) as data. Additionally, when the LED is ON, a digital 1 is transmitted, and when it is OFF, a 0 is transmitted.
The intense modulation taking place is imperceptible to the human eye. With this method, data can be transmitted from an LED light bulb to a receiver at high speeds.
1. Li-Fi and Live Streaming
According to a report by Go-Globe, 82% of consumers prefer to watch live videos from a brand rather than read posts, and 80% of a brand’s audience prefers to watch live videos rather than read a blog. Live videos are also watched three times longer than non-live videos. Due to the rapid rates at which Li-Fi can operate, it can be implemented in large shopping malls, sports stadiums, street lights, airplanes, trains including underground, train stations, airports, and more.
This enables users to access rich content media such as videos and live streaming from their smartphones or other mobile devices almost anywhere, including stadiums, trains, and planes, provided they are exposed to Li-Fi enabled LEDs. Li-Fi live streaming can also be advantageous for various types of events.
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Meetings
- Team Building events
- Trade shows
- Business dinners
- Press conferences
- Networking events
- Opening Ceremonies
- Product launches
- Theme parties
- Award ceremonies
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Birthday parties
- Concerts
Li-Fi technology for live streaming holds significant potential for the future.
Application of Li-Fi in Hospitals
Due to Li-Fi’s lack of interference with radiofrequency devices, it can be safely utilized in various hospital settings. For instance, in hallways, waiting areas, patient rooms, and operating theaters, Li-Fi technology can establish a light communication network, resolving electromagnetic interference issues associated with smartphones and Wi-Fi use in hospitals. Li-Fi can facilitate real-time monitoring and reporting of patient movements and vital signs without the need for physical connections.
Moreover, Li-Fi enables patients in their beds to connect to internet-based activities such as news, emails, video games, and social media using their smartphones, helping them pass the time during their hospital stay. For medical staff, Li-Fi allows for the tracking and relocation of critical medical devices, especially those shared between different departments. Please refer to the diagram below for a summary of the benefits of Li-Fi in hospitals.
In 2014, Oledcomm, a leading Li-Fi company, installed Li-Fi enabled LED lights at the Emergency Hospital Center of Perpignan. This development made the hospital the first worldwide to have Li-Fi spots. When a patient is admitted and Dr. Jean-Marie Bonnec, the Emergency Department Head of Perpignan, needs to access their medical file, he connects to a computer and the internet. However, this wireless connection is made through Li-Fi, not Wi-Fi.
Dr. Jean-Marie Bonnec explained, “To be mobile between rooms, we are connected via Li-Fi, which is a wave-free connection using light waves, thanks to a luminous reception box that transmits the signal via luminous relay terminals in the hallway.”
The Li-Fi connection reduces patients’ and medical personnel’s exposure to radio waves.
Li-Fi technology utilizes LED light modulation to transmit data to a dedicated receiver that decodes the information on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The transmitter/receiver captures the flicker emitted by the bulb, which is imperceptible to the naked eye.
“We use a conventional box to access the internet through the telephone network. Wi-Fi is disabled, and the entire internet connection is sent through the electrical network to each lamp. The lamp starts to flash more than ten million times a second to transmit a video using Li-Fi, for example, to the laptop. Of course, the human eye cannot perceive these flickers, but computers, smartphones, and tablets can,” explained Suat Topsu, founder of a startup working on “Light Fidelity”.
Impressed by the concept of Li-Fi technology, the IT manager of the Perpignan hospital decided to gradually replace Wi-Fi with Li-Fi.
“In the area where we installed Li-Fi, we measure 269 millivolts per meter of electromagnetic waves, significantly below the WHO recommendations of 600 millivolts per meter. We still have Wi-Fi, and we measure 3 volts per meter, which is ten times higher than what we measured in the area equipped with Li-Fi. Our goal is to eliminate wave technologies to enhance the care and health of our users and staff, as they remain within the hospital 24/7,” stated Vincent Templier, head of the IT department.
Li-Fi technology can also facilitate the use of robots to deliver equipment and medication to various departments and wards in the hospital.
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s hospital in Fort Thomas, a talking robot named Tug has been introduced to deliver medications from the pharmacy to nursing stations.
According to John Giordullo, system director of pharmacy for St. Elizabeth, “The Tug robot enables our pharmacy staff to focus on the clinical and patient-centered aspects of their jobs rather than the task of delivering medications throughout the hospital.”
A software system monitors medication delivery from the pharmacy.
“Tug has been very reliable, predictable, and easy to use,” stated Benita Utz, vice president of nursing for the Fort Thomas hospital. “It has enhanced the efficiency of our work as nurses and has eliminated the need to call the pharmacy for medication deliveries.”
Using a computer, a nurse can track Tug’s precise location at any given time. By utilizing Li-Fi, delivery robots can open doors and call elevators, allowing them to access all patient units within the hospital.
The robot’s internal computer is loaded with a map of the facility, enabling Tug to navigate independently without the need for GPS. The robot determines its location using an odometry algorithm. It is equipped with sensors, including a laser, to detect both known and unexpected obstacles, such as people in hallways.
A robot at St. Elizabeth Hospital has been grabbing attention with its behavior. The robot is powered by an electric motor and moves on wheels. It is considered and yields to visitors and staff.
According to Guy Karrick, a St. Elizabeth Hospital representative, when the robot encounters people, it introduces itself with a computer-generated voice similar to a car’s GPS system.
The robot is also programmed to communicate in specific situations. For example, it announces, “Approaching elevator, please stand aside,” and “Waiting for doors to open.”
Delivery robots equipped with Li-Fi technology can utilize it to open doors and call elevators, enabling them to access all patient units in the hospital.
The robot has a map of the facility loaded into its internal computer, allowing it to navigate independently without GPS. It calculates its location using an odometry algorithm. In addition, its sensors, including a laser, can detect both known and unexpected obstacles, such as people in hallways.
Li-Fi-enabled voice-controlled robots are gradually being introduced in various industries to prevent accidents caused by human error. These robots can be operated by workers to control their movements. For instance, the operator’s instructions are transmitted to the robot via Li- Fi technology. This technology can also be applied to surgical robots.
In hospital pharmacies and aseptic manufacturing sites, pharmacists can use Li-Fi to receive and review electronically approved prescriptions directly in the unit. Li-Fi can be used for real-time tracking of prescribed aseptic drugs in the unit, allowing healthcare professionals to check the status without leaving the ward.
Automation, including automated inspection and packaging, is increasingly important in pharmaceutical manufacturing. The benefits of automation include efficiency, worker safety, reduced human error, and increased reproducibility. It also helps maintain cleanroom standards by minimizing the potential for human contamination.
Through Li-Fi, patient records can be accessed and shared conveniently, quickly, and securely. Patients in pharmacy dispensaries can use Li-Fi to check the real-time status of their prescriptions on their smartphones or pharmacy terminals while waiting to collect them.
Li-Fi can enable data loggers to remotely monitor an environment with periodic data uploads using a Li-Fi network, eliminating the need to connect to a PC. This system allows data to be collected from any Li-Fi enabled device.
In 2001, the Audit Commission’s “Spoonful of Sugar” report recommended using automation to transform pharmacy services. Following this, many UK hospitals installed dispensary robots. Pharmacy robots have been shown to reduce dispensing errors, improve efficiency, and optimize space in the pharmacy.
While robot use in community pharmacies in the UK is currently limited, robots have the potential to handle high volumes of dispensing and allow pharmacists to focus on patient-centered services. Li-Fi can enable pharmacy robots to communicate with staff, IT systems, and other robots, as well as handle tasks such as drug delivery and stock management.
As newer, smaller, and more machines become available, robot usage in all areas of pharmacy is expected to increase. Automated methadone dispensing machines, such as Methameasure and Methadose, offer efficient accuracy and efficiency in the dispensing process, and their usage is likely to rise, especially in high-volume pharmacies. Li-Fi is expected to be one of the wireless communication technologies that will enable robots to perform tasks effectively and communicate with other systems and robots.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is currently affecting many industries, including the pharmaceutical sector. Documentation of pharmaceutical production processes is essential for ensuring consistent compliance with regulations.
Li-Fi technology can allow connected devices in the pharmaceutical IoT to continuously transmit data at a high rate to a server, ensuring that quality standards are met. This can reduce manual paperwork and the potential for errors.
Li-Fi in the Workplace
Li-Fi will provide not just illumination, but also secure wireless connectivity in workspaces. This technology will enable people to seamlessly move from one room to another while on a Skype video conference call without interruption. Workers and visitors will have continuous internet connectivity in the workspace. Additionally, access to the network can be more effectively controlled through light, with overhead lighting providing access to the guest network and desk lamps providing access to specific parts of a corporate system.
Philips Lighting’s LiFi-enabled LEDs are currently being tested in an office of real estate company Icade in La Defense, Paris.
Emmanuelle Baboulin, head of the company’s commercial property investment division, stated, “LiFi has the potential to significantly impact offices. As a market leader, we are exploring the possibilities of this technology for current and future clients.” “We plan to showcase the technology in our smart office in La Defense, where stable connectivity and light quality are crucial to us,” he added.
Li-Fi in Schools
A wireless network is vital for providing new learning experiences by connecting students and teachers to smart technology. Li-Fi can offer seamless network connectivity and security throughout the school, from classrooms to university dorms. Some schools have already begun reliable testing Li-Fi technology in classrooms.
The Hegel-Gymnasium in Stuttgart is currently experimenting with Li-Fi in classrooms for teaching various subjects, including information technology. In Fraunhofer’s prototype Li-Fi installation at the school, data is wirelessly transmitted via lightwaves from LED luminaires to boxes connected to laptops via Ethernet. The goal is to eventually integrate the electronics onto a dongle, similar to what pureLiFi is doing. Ultimately, the chips should be integrated into notebooks, phones, and tablets.
The school principal, Frank Bäuerle, expressed, “We are pleased that our students are involved in an exciting research project focused on high-speed data communication without electromagnetic interference. Our teaching staff and students will gain experience with the sophistication of the Fraunhofer HHI VLC -modules and explore pedagogical concepts that make sense with this technology. This will help us contribute to the identification of future technological advancements.” Students at the Hegel-Gymnasium in Stuttgart are using modulated light from LED luminaires to receive data on their devices, which is an emerging technology known as Li-Fi. Photo credit: Stadt Stuttgart, Yves Schneider.
Last year, The Kyle Academy in Scotland began utilizing Li-Fi in the classroom. The project was a collaboration between PureLiFi and The University of Edinburgh. The installation of pureLiFi’s LiFi-XC system involved eight LiFi-enabled LED light bulbs in the ceiling, and students were provided access to LiFi-XC Stations that plug into their laptops, enabling high-speed connectivity through the lights.
Professor Harald Haas, referencing the trial at The Kyle Academy, said, “Li-Fi was conceived in Scotland during a TED Global talk that I delivered in 2011. Seven years later, I’m delighted to see true Li-Fi being implemented for the first time in a school in Scotland.”
Li-Fi in Retail
Li-Fi can help shoppers guide shoppers from the moment they enter the store and assist them in locating specific products, collecting digital coupons, checking promotions, and verifying the availability of products on the shelves. It can also facilitate in-store online services through smart devices, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
For retailers, Li-Fi can enable the delivery of promotions to shoppers’ smart devices, display offers, understand customer behavior anonymously, gather demographic data, target marketing campaigns, conduct display advertising, and monitor real-time stock availability. Li-Fi presents an opportunity for shopping centers to gain a deeper understanding of their customers and effectively influence their shopping experience.
Li-Fi and Airplanes
In a report from Inmarsat, it was found that 67% of passengers would consider booking with an airline offering inflight internet connectivity. 70% of passengers who have tried inflight connectivity would be likely to recommend it, and 66% believe inflight connectivity is essential. Additionally, 65% of passengers who had access to inflight internet connectivity in the last year actually used it, while 54% agreed that they would prefer no internet to poor-quality Wi-Fi.
Li-Fi will enable passengers to access a higher bandwidth compared to the current Wi-Fi provided. This means that passengers will be able to enjoy faster internet connections and easily download and stream content from their seats. According to Professor Haas, Li-Fi technology is perfect for airplanes as it does not interfere with radio signals the way Wi-Fi does, utilizing visible light instead.
According to Professor Haas, Li-Fi is a game-changer for three main reasons. First, it resolves the issue of network congestion. In our data-driven world, the radio spectrum is becoming increasingly scarce, particularly at crowded places such as airports and aircraft interiors. Li-Fi addresses this by providing 1,000 times the bandwidth compared to the entire radio frequency spectrum, creating additional free, unregulated bandwidth within the visible light spectrum.
Secondly, it opens the door for establishing local-area networks, making it easier for passengers to make calls, use the internet, and access in-flight entertainment systems. Thirdly, with the increasing dominance of big data, safeguarding information becomes crucial. Li -Fi offers greater protection to passengers than Wi-Fi, which is particularly beneficial for Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the aviation industry, where data security in manufacturing facilities is essential.
There are approximately several hundred lights in a typical aircraft cabin, with LED lighting embedded in various parts of the cabin. Professor Haas suggests imagining these lights not just as lights, but as wireless routers. Utilizing Li-Fi, an aircraft cabin can potentially deliver speeds that are 300 times faster than an average Wi-Fi connection.
While any LED light source can be used for Li-Fi, the installation of flexible RGB accent lighting is recommended for the fastest speeds. This lighting, although more expensive, can guarantee speeds of five gigabits per second compared to traditional LED lighting, which only offers speeds of 100 megabits per second. In the future, the avionics databus system on a plane could potentially be used to stream content to each lighting fixture, transmitting data at high speed to passengers’ devices.
Professor Haas predicts that in the future, aircraft cabins will become more modular and malleable, allowing airlines to reconfigure seating areas based on passenger demand. Moreover, with the integration and miniaturization of Li-Fi modules, the cost of implementing Li-Fi into airplane cabins could potentially range from £10 (US$12) to £15 (US$18) per unit. Additionally, Li-Fi technology may pave the way for next-generation cabin designs, enabling larger windows and innovative seating arrangements that enhance the overall passenger experience.
It would be beneficial to have a universal standard for Li-Fi. Currently, Li-Fi is being standardized in 802.15.7, and pureLiFi is heavily involved in this process. As the integration and miniaturization of Li-Fi modules advance, it is expected that the cost to implement Li-Fi into airplane cabins in the future will be in the range of £10 (US$12) to £15 (US$18) per unit.
Predicting time frames in the aeronautics industry is challenging due to long development cycles and involved qualification procedures for aircraft equipment. Additionally, a global Li-Fi standard would be helpful. Li-Fi is currently being standardized in 802.15.7, and pureLiFi is a significant participant in this process.
Furthermore, innovations in airline cabin design typically progress slowly. However, there seems to be a feasible opportunity to retrofit the technology into commercial airliners within the next three years.
Astronics, a prominent provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace and defense industries, views Li-Fi as a complement to Wi-Fi and a way to leverage the IoT in airplanes.
Mark Schwartz, vice president of PDT, an Astronics Company, made the following statement:
RF has limited bandwidth within the spectrum it operates in. As a result, with increased usage of Wi-Fi by passengers for in-flight entertainment and higher resolution screens, as well as by pilots and for sensors, there is a risk of bandwidth scarcity on the aircraft. Simply adding more Wireless Access Points (WAPs) is not a sustainable solution.
If all passengers connected to Wi-Fi simultaneously, the connection speed would slow down significantly. Therefore, the initial application of Li-Fi should focus on embedded systems within the cabin, such as embedded screens or large cabin screens, where a good line of sight to the receiver is available.
These applications are beneficial as they reduce reliance on RF and leave the bandwidth for use by passengers. Currently, Wi-Fi is only available on personal devices. In the next few years, Li-Fi might also be available on commercial off-the- shelf devices. Once this happens, Li-Fi adoption is expected to increase due to its effective performance. Moreover, Li-Fi is now part of the 5G framework, as there are concerns that the bandwidth of RF may become insufficient and may require layering Li-Fi on top of it. This could lead to the coexistence of Li-Fi and Wi-Fi in households.
Li-Fi technology is already present on aircraft. Although wiring to the server is necessary, the external part can be implemented, for example through modulating wingtip lights, landing lights, or connections to the terminal or jetbridge. While changing airport facilities to accommodate Li -Fi might be challenging, the return on investment in terms of reduced labor costs and enhanced passenger experience justifies the effort. Furthermore, this approach alleviates the stress on the satellite communication system, offering a more cost-effective alternative.
Considering our portfolio, we own interior lighting, passenger service units (PSUs), as well as all the external lighting on the aircraft, including the wingtip and landing lights. We are also involved in aircraft connectivity, in-flight entertainment (IFE), and in-flight connectivity (IFC). Therefore, we are well-positioned for the widespread adoption of Li-Fi technology due to our ownership of complementary technologies. We are the enablers.
Li-Fi in Disaster Management:
Li-Fi can serve as a reliable means of communication in disaster situations such as earthquakes or hurricanes. During such disasters, the general public may not be familiar with communication protocols. Typical dead zones for emergency communications, such as subway stations and tunnels, do not pose an obstacle for Li-Fi.
Verizon, Nokia, and Aegex Technologies conducted resilience testing of light-based Li-Fi solutions from pureLiFi to demonstrate the application of Li-Fi in rescue communications and emergency response during disaster events.
The demonstration, known as Operation Convergent Response (OCR), took place at the Guardian Centers training facility in the United States. pureLiFi showcased the use of Li-Fi technology in a subway disaster scenario. Li-Fi technology was utilized to maintain real- time, bi-directional communications, enabling connectivity with a command center and allowing emergency services to maintain secure and reliable communication during a response.
Li-Fi and Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0, also known as the “Fourth industrial revolution,” presents a novel approach that merges traditional manufacturing techniques with technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to enhance automation, communication, and real- time data utilization. It offers the potential for improved collaboration between machines and their human aids, facilitating faster innovation for manufacturers.
In Industry 4.0, the interconnected ecosystem of the Internet of Things (IoT) can assist both manufacturers and consumers by enhancing automation, communication, monitoring, self-diagnosis, and advanced analysis for a more productive future.
Factories are increasingly becoming automated and self-monitoring, empowering machines to analyze and communicate with each other and their human colleagues, resulting in smoother processes that free up workers for other tasks.
Industry 4.0 is not solely driven by the Internet of Things; machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data analytics are also expected to contribute significantly to industry transformation. The advancement of network technology is crucial for Industry 4.0, as insights and efficiencies generated by IoT devices are only valuable if they can be readily and quickly accessed.
Li-Fi provides satisfactory performance for real-time applications and reliability requirements for factory robots, particularly for closed-loop control applications.
Wieland Electric in Bamberg has explored the technological advantages of Li-Fi technology in industrial settings. The electronics company utilizes the new data transmission standard in its in-house production to gain experience and incorporate it in the development of Li-Fi for industrial communication. Wieland Electric employs Li-Fi on a production line for high-quality electronic components, specifically for data transmission to the machine controller and the collection of operating data between Li-Fi sender and receiver.
Configuration data is transmitted to the machine, while information on output or faults is sent back to the Wieland operating data collection system. The connection to the data network is established using the optical communication solution Trulifi 6013 from Signify, which creates a secure point-to -point connection and enables transmission rates of 250 Mbps in one direction and 2 x 250 Mbps in two directions.
Stephan Lauer, Business Development Manager Light & Building Industry at Wieland, states: “The high data rate is not the only justification for the adoption of new technology in industrial environments. The error-free and straightforward transmission with LiFi where radio waves or cables present data transmission challenges is of greater significance.”
Li-Fi and Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) involves overlaying and aligning computer-generated content on a view of the physical world. By utilizing a transparent OpenGL layer over the render surface of a camera, virtual information can be displayed over reality. Some of the fields where AR is applicable include advertisement, architecture, entertainment, and music. Augmented Reality can also display data analytics on the device screen, without disrupting the environment, enriching the user’s experience. The data can be automatically processed, such as trajectory, information, fire locations, average time, and escape direction, allowing for more dynamic user interaction.
Since cables restrict movement and users of mobile applications generally require free movement of their arms, wireless data transfer techniques are preferable in AR glasses. Common standards such as WLAN and Bluetooth have limited bandwidth and are not designed for real-time transmission. According to Dr Alexander Noack, Development Manager at the Fraunhofer IPMS, “Data glasses exemplify the benefits of our Li-Fi technology. Optical wireless transmission offers high constant data rates, low latency, and maximum user mobility. It combines the flexibility of wireless solutions with the advantages of cabled transmission and provides even greater bandwidth than radio-based solutions.”
Li-Fi technology can be employed in situations where connectors, cables, sliding contacts, and radio networks need to be replaced.
Li-Fi in Airport 4.0
Digital transformation is essential to keep pace with the growth and expectations of passengers who are anticipated to be more connected and have greater control over their travel experience. In an increasingly competitive environment, airports are dedicated to expanding and enhancing their appeal to increase their share of air travel and tourism, focusing on innovation and an emphasis on improving customer experience.
While safety and security always remain top priorities, airport leaders are also concentrating on ways to streamline business and operations by leveraging technology to achieve goals and meet passengers’ demands. After all, in today’s digital world, the power of data cannot be overlooked, making it crucial to harness its benefits.
With the emergence of digital technologies, the aviation industry is evolving rapidly, and airports are embracing advancements to improve operational efficiency and enhance passenger experiences. Airports 4.0 is a reimagined concept that aims to digitize and optimize airport operations, offering a seamless and personalized travel experience for passengers throughout their journey. This vision encompasses the use of innovative technologies such as Li-Fi to fulfill the increasing connectivity and data demands while ensuring reliable and secure communication.
Li-Fi technology has the potential to provide high connectivity and immediate access to information for both passengers and staff by connecting all involved parties in a fully integrated digital system. This will also improve the overall customer experience.
With the implementation of Airports 4.0 and the utilization of Li-Fi, travelers can efficiently and intelligently navigate by using a mobile app and being recognized at check-in to generate a single token data that will be utilized at all subsequent checkpoints until reaching the boarding gate.
Li-Fi and its applications in military operations have piqued the interest of the military industry. Frank Murphy, an engineer at EMSD’s System Development and Engineering Team, has been studying the potential use of Li-Fi in a tactical setting as its physical properties seem to address several issues encountered in wired and wireless network systems for field command posts.
This technology has been employed in expeditionary mission commands. EMSD has formulated a concept for integrating Li-Fi within any enclosed mission command platform. Li-Fi solves the challenges associated with the time-consuming process of laying data lines in tactical operation centers and command posts. further, since it doesn’t use radio waves, the signal cannot be detected outside the confines of the mission command platform.
Melvin Jee, the leader of EMSD’s Command Post Platforms Branch, explained that “The technology utilizes light waves to transmit and receive data between the servers and the user’s computer. As light cannot pass through walls, the enemy cannot detect the signal.”
Murphy’s exploration of the technology was partially inspired by Douglas Tamilio, the director of RDECOM Soldier Center, sharing an article about Li-Fi with RDECOM Soldier Center leadership. Additionally, Murphy’s research was inspired by Claudia Quigley, the director of EMSD, and the ongoing partnership between RDECOM Soldier Center and the 82nd Airborne. The collaboration aims to find the best ways to meet the needs of warfighters.
Murphy mentioned that Quigley and other directorate members were working with the 82nd Airborne during a field exercise. During this exercise, Murphy discovered that setting up IT cabling was proving to be a time-consuming and challenging task.
“They had a difficult time setting up their IT network, which isn’t usually an NSRDEC area, but we felt that we could address the need,” said Murphy. “Tactical speed is absolutely crucial for command post setup. Li-Fi is potentially faster, easier to install and doesn’t have the security and exposure issues of other technologies. Li-Fi is un-hackable and untraceable when used within the command post shelter.”
“It’s virtually impossible to find the wavelength the data is being transmitted on, so if Li-Fi is detected, it’s hard to intercept the data stream,” said Jee.
EMSD is collaborating with industry partners. Murphy elucidated that the commercially available technology was adapted to suit a tactical environment. The technology will impact how Soldiers communicate and, as a result, carry out a mission.
“A command post of any size is an information processing center,” said Murphy, “They take information from the field whether it comes in from a drone, Soldier/squad reports, other personnel in the area, satellite information, information from wheeled vehicles. , or from behind the front lines — all this information gets fed to the command post staff. They make a decision and then the information goes right back out. Lives depend on this communication.”
“Li-Fi is part of NSRDEC’s plan to provide a fully integrated platform with all of the necessary infrastructure in order for the warfighter to set up his command post,” said Jee. “Just as a house is fully integrated with power, lights and network cabling — allowing the homeowners to just concentrate on the furnishings — NSRDEC plans to provide a fully functional house, allowing the warfighter and program managers to provide the “furniture.’”
“In a command post, everyone has a job to do and they have their information chain,” said Murphy.
“All these Soldiers need network access. With this, you simply shine the light over their head. After you hook the transceiver into the USB port, the transceiver will detect the signal and you will be hooked up to the IT network of your command post . It’s as simple as that. We also hope to have it integrated into the wiring harness for the lighting so we can just roll up the tent and pack it away during a move.”
“The people at the BCIL were incredible,” said Murphy. “They gave us the perfect platform to showcase the tactical capabilities of this device. This project really showcases what Natick is all about. The Natick team dove in with both feet. Great things happen when people believe in each other and in an idea. We all want to help the Soldier.”
Murphy believes that Li-Fi is truly the wave of the future.
The command post’s need for data will continue to grow, according to Murphy. To meet this demand, data quantity and quality must improve. The technology is suitable for use in rigid wall mission command platforms, as well as in other locations, and it will provide world-class communications, security, speed, and capability to the frontline Soldier. This technology will enable the warfighter to make better decisions and be more effective and lethal in the field by leveraging information as a weapon. This technology is a game changer that will revolutionize the IT network system.
The US Navy is funding a research program to explore Li-Fi, a form of communication using LED lights. They aim to enhance submarine communication systems with Li-Fi due to the limitations of the current slow and antiquated system and the inefficiency of radio waves underwater. Wi-Fi interference with onboard electronics on aeroplanes and in petrochemical plants also makes Li-Fi a viable alternative. The Navy sees potential in using Li-Fi for ship-to-ship communication and as a secondary and tertiary technology for mission- critical functions in a future battlespace filled with radar spoofing and communication jamming.
The Navy has been experimenting with Li-Fi technology to provide secure high data rate communications for facilities, vehicles, and submarines. They have tested the effects of shock and vibration on the wireless link and the equipment, setting up a standalone network to stream live video and collect test data of the optical link. Although the equipment failed during extreme vibration testing at APL, it performed as expected on the ship, with no loss in signal-to-noise ratio or throughput related to the shock and vibration of the catapult system.
Li-Fi has potential for underwater applications, particularly for remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) since they are typically controlled by wired connections with limited operational range, weight, and fragility. Li-Fi’s use is restricted by the distance light can penetrate water. While light can travel through water, significant amounts of it do not penetrate beyond 200 meters, and no light penetrates past 1000 meters.
The ocean is divided into three zones based on depth and light level. The upper 200 meters is known as the euphotic or “sunlight” zone, which contains the majority of commercial fisheries. The zone between 200 meters and 1,000 meters is referred to as the “twilight” or dysphotic zone, where light dissipates rapidly as depth increases. Beyond 1,000 meters lies the aphotic or “midnight” zone, where sunlight does not penetrate, and the area is in darkness.
15) Li-Fi and Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is a type of digital or virtual currency that uses cryptography for secure online transactions and to regulate the creation of new units of currency. It has been actively developing since 2009, creating various transaction opportunities among users. Bitcoin was the first cryptocurrency and by September 2015, there were over 14.6 million bitcoins in circulation, valued at $3.4 billion (£2.6 billion). The success of Bitcoin has led to the emergence of around 1200 other cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Ethereum, and more.
Global Greenology, a privately-owned international manufacturing and design company that specializes in environmentally friendly, energy-efficient building solutions, has created a cryptocurrency for the implementation of Li-Fi.
OWNII Coin is designed to oversee, develop, and plan the physical infrastructure essential for the implementation of Li-Fi in the United States and other nations, and it is traded privately. The company pureLiFi produces and distributes the necessary developing equipment to enable communication through existing LED bulbs, but the installation of this equipment is required for Li-Fi implementation.
Global Greenology claims that OWNII Coin will promote the establishment of new internet infrastructure in the US and other areas, and it will also create numerous opportunities for employment, business ownership, and entrepreneurial activities by selling equipment and services.
OWNII Coin facilitates wireless communication, which is faster and addresses internet security concerns. It also enables localization due to the small coverage area of Li-Fi access points, which can be used for precise asset tracking. Furthermore, it provides pervasive high – speed wireless access with significantly higher data density (data rate per unit area) compared to radio frequency, through high bandwidth reuse.
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