Currently, Wi-Fi has entered its latest generation known as Wi-Fi 7. It offers even higher speeds and lower latency.
However, there’s news about a new technology from IEEE, based on infrared technology. This technology boasts speeds up to 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. It’s called Li-Fi.
Unlike Wi-Fi, which uses radio waves, Li-Fi utilizes invisible infrared light transmitters. The average download speed of Li-Fi can reach 224Gbps, and the latency is extremely low, thanks to its use of light.
This technology can transmit signals without any interference from radio disturbances. Li-Fi already has a competing standard, G.9991, established by the International Telecommunication Union. The lighting company Signify has reportedly developed data transmitter products using Li-Fi technology.
Additionally, another company called pureLiFi has released the Light Antenna One system in February, which meets the 802.11bb standard. With a module embedded in smartphones, this system can transmit data at speeds up to 1Gbps.
Faster Than Wi-Fi, But…
Despite being faster, this technology still has some limitations. The main drawback lies in its range. As Li-Fi is based on “infrared light,” its coverage is still very limited.
Currently, the range is even less than 10 meters, around only 3 meters. Therefore, the use of Li-Fi connectivity remains quite restricted. This technology can be utilized in some devices like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and other peripherals.
Moreover, Li-Fi is claimed to be safer than Wi-Fi due to the absence of radio signal interference. While it is continually being developed, it will likely take a few more years for this technology to be widely adopted.
