Professor Hass working on li-fi technology. Li-fi technology uses internet connection, a photo dectector, and LED lightbulb to work. (via purelifi)
It's hard to imagine a world without instant WiFi access. Actually, hard for me to imagine a world of wifi access outside my house. A new way of delivering data is currently in the works that is supposed to have better speed than your standard WiFi connection. Called Li-Fi, it can provide internet access 100 times faster than the current Wi-Fi, offering speeds up to 1 gigbit per second. But instead of using a router or hotspot for connection, it needs a light source like an LED lightbulb, an internet connection, and a photo detector. Li-Fi actually refers to visible light communications (VLC) technology, which delivers high speed, networked mobile communications similar to Wi-Fi.
This method was tested by Velemenni, an Estonian startup, in Tallinn for the first real world test. The company used a li-fi enabled light bulb to deliver data at speeds of 1Gbps, yet lab tests show theoretical speeds of 224 Gbps. Velemenni tested the technology in an office, which allowed workers to access the internet, and in an industrial space, where it provided a smart lighting set up.
Imagine updating your Facebook and Twitter pages at ten time the speed? How can I get li-fi? Well, it's not available to the masses yet. Deepak Solanki, chief executive of Velemenni, estimates it will take three to four years for the technology to reach consumers. But keep in mind there are downsides just like with any other new technology. One thing is it cannot be deployed outside in direct sunlight because it would interfere with its signal. Another drawback is it can't travel through walls making its use pretty limited. And perhaps the biggest setback is that light needs to be on at all times to provide the connection. Yet, one of the biggest advances is how it won't interfere with other radio signals, meaning you could use it on aircrafts.
So, who discovered li-fi anyway? Professor Harald Hass from Edinburgh University was the first to coin the term “li-fi.” He even demonstrated its use at a TED conference in 2011 where he showed a lamp streaming video. A year later Hass created pureLiFi, “recognized leaders in Li-Fi technology.” His company has currently produced two products: Li-1st and Li-Flame. Recently, the company announced a partnership with a French industrial lighting company that will rollout the firm's VLC technology in its products in 2016.
While the promise of accessing our favorite sites and emails at higher speeds sounds tempting, li-fi probably won't be a permanent replacement for wi-fi. Not only is it going to take a while for the technology to come to the consumer market, but it will also most likely work in conjunction with wi-fi networks to provide a more seamless experience. ... Best to hang on to your wi-fi routers.
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