New technology Li-Fi is 100 times faster than Wi-Fi – Standard

Is it done soon to slow wifi? If the Estonian start-up Velmenni depends though. Which started commercial tests of Li-Fi, a possible alternative that works on light and is 100 times faster than current Wi-Fi standard. Frederik Tibau of the specialized Datanews.be explains.

How does it work?

‘Li-Fi is a technology-based visible light communication , simply called VLC. Instead of radio waves at wifi light is used to send signals. In practice involves LED lights that are turned on and off very quickly – without you see it with the naked eye. That constant flicker leads to an electrical signal, which enables a data stream.

The advantages compared with Wi-Fi

1. Faster

“When tested speeds were already set to 1 Gbps (Gigabits per second, ed.) . That’s about 100 times faster than current Wi-Fi routers. The technology has enormous potential: in a lab environment were even set speeds of 224 Gbps

2.. Safer

“Because light rays, unlike radio waves do not go through walls, hackers can not externally infiltrate your network.

3. Bandwidth

“Radio waves make use of bandwidth. Which is limited and must be purchased. To send its data Proximus has bought instance bandwidth to the Belgian state. When light have that restriction, of course not. You have however led lamps for need, but soon all lamps will probably be LED bulbs.

4. However, in hospitals

“Through the radio waves you can not use your smartphone or laptop in a hospital. When Li-fi you do not have that problem. “

5. Good for the environment

“LED lights consume much, they are pretty neutral. If they once again give light and provide data transmission is considered convenient.

The disadvantages

one. Lights out

“Once you turn off the light, is also your network down. Li-fi is always light. “

2. Restricted

“That the light rays can not pass through walls, Li-fi is perhaps safer, but it is also more limited in scope.

3. Infrastructure not yet adjusted

At this time, the devices are still not adapted to the new technology. The current smartphones and laptops have wifi, but not Li-Fi compatible. For this, there is an additional microchip to be added. Also the LED lights the way.

When is it?

“The Estonian start-up Velmenni started the first test outside laboratory setting. Currently there are already pilot projects in only a few companies in and around the Estonian capital Tallinn. According to the CEO of Velmenni will be rolled out the technology within three to four years.

Creator

The ability to use LED bulbs as an alternative already in 2011 was presented by Harald Haas: