How Does LiFi Work: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

This technology depends on the infrared and visible wave spectrum to transmit information through light communication. The term LiFi or Light Fidelity was first introduced in a 2011 TEDGlobal talk by Harald Haas.

The LiFi technology is fast gaining popularity as an alternative to the WiFi which uses radio frequency waves to transmit data. The working principle of LiFi lies in using modulation of light intensity to transfer data from one point to another. At its present level, only LED lamps can be used for such data transmission in the visible light spectrum.

LiFi communication offers an alternative to current technologies by providing a high-speed LiFi internet connection that is more stable and secure when compared to data carried over radio frequency waves. Far from being a simple idea, LiFi has already proven its performance merits in terms of speed, efficiency, and reliability in many sectors.

To better understand how light is the future of connectivity, let us find out how LiFi works.

How Does LiFi Work: Understanding LiFi Technology

LiFi is a type of optical wireless communication technology that uses light-emitting diodes(LEDs) as a medium to carry data across a network. While traditional technologies like WiFi or 5G depend on radio waves of the electromagnetic spectrum, LiFi technology relies on using its optical waves. Visible light communication (VLC) technology, which is the backbone of LiFi-based data transfer systems; works by modulating the light waves of an LED transmitter at a very high speed to carry information.

Data transmission via LiFi is done through a light beam emitted by an LED bulb and directed to a receiving device. This bulb is equipped with a LiFi router, which we call an access point, connected to the Internet network via an RJ45 Ethernet cable with PoE capability. The information is sent to the router from the network as an electrical signal and then encoded by the imperceptible and ultra-fast switching (light intensity variation) of the light source.

The connected device (computer, smartphone, tablet) equipped with a LiFi key and located in the coverage area of the light beam receives the data transmitted by the router through its LiFi receiver. This device, which can be a dongle connected to the device or an integrated chip, contains a photodiode responsible for capturing the light signal and a processor that converts it into an electrical signal. The computer receives this electrical signal and translates it into a binary system, then demodulates the digital data which then takes its final form, that of information understandable by humans.

To get a clearer picture of how LiFi technology works, here is a concise summary of the LiFi operating process:

• The LiFi router receives the information via the Ethernet cable that connects it to the local network
• It transmits it to the LED bulb, which fluctuates at high speed, with a frequency of tens of thousands or even millions of signals per second.
• The light signal is perceived by the LiFi key which transforms it into an electrical signal and transmits it to the computer
• The computer translates the signal into information that can be understood by humans.

Application of LiFi Solutions

The LiFi market is showing a high growth potential due to continuous technological advancements and an ever-increasing need for high-speed data communication. Growing internet usage in business, governance, and personal lives is creating a higher demand for light communication and light wifi systems across the globe. Here are some key areas that benefit the most from the application of LiFi-based solutions:

• Secure Offices

  LiFi technology, tailored for secure offices, stands as a highly effective tool, ensuring interference-free communication in dense environments with utmost reliability. This is because it cannot be interrupted by other electromagnetic waves that might be already in use across devices such as phones, radio cables, or electrical wires. For example, a corporate environment might have a high density of signals because of a large number of devices being used in a closed, small space. In such an environment, LiFi technology can provide a high-speed and secure wireless communication system in every room without the hassle of heavy cable installation or construction.

• Industry and Transportation

  Wireless optics are a viable solution for sectors that need highly stable internet connections for real-time communication. Infrastructure, building mechanization and industrial production are some areas where LiFi can effectively create connectivity networks without installation of heavy-duty equipment. LiFi for Transportation & Industry n only ensures uninterrupted connectivity but also enhances the efficiency of transportation systems, all while prioritizing passenger safety.

• Education

  The high speed connectivity offered by LiFi internet is a boon for the education sector. This is an area where the use of the internet is widespread and unavoidable, but the opportunity for data breaches make it a goldmine for cybercriminals. Li-Fi for schools can solve this problem by providing the highest-possible privacy and security to sensitive data. This will protect educational institutions and students from falling prey to cybercrimes, while also ensuring uninterrupted and fast internet connectivity. LiFi will also make digital lectures, video classes and online tests much easier to implement on a larger scale

• Defense and security

  The use of LiFi solutions can also help in increasing the safety of explosion-hazard environments or densely populated spaces where the use of electrical equipment and radio waves is restricted. The defense sector requires transmission of highly-sensitive data across it’s networks, and traditional internet is easy to hack. LiFi-based signals, in contrast, offer nearly impenetrable security, ensuring uninterrupted and highly reliable internet for military and defense applications.. This makes them the most suitable for creating high security communication networks to safeguard operations in the defense sector.

• Aerospace

  Light-based internet and communication technology will allow aircraft passengers to enjoy a higher bandwidth of connection in airborne environments. LiFi signals will not interfere with aircraft equipment that uses radio waves for their functioning. This makes LiFi technology for Aerospace highly suitable for aircraft and aviation operations that will find the security, reliability, and lightweight efficiency of LiFi ideal for their carriers.

Also Read: 8 Key Benefits of Using Li-fi Internet Technology - 2024

From these examples, we can understand the highly versatile and efficient nature of LiFi technology when it comes to creating new solutions to complex problems. As this field of light WiFi is continuously evolving, we can expect more innovative solutions that use LiFi to improve businesses, enhance connectivity, and build infrastructure that caters to the needs of a fast-developing world.

If you want to explore a custom-made LiFi solution for your own organization, contact Oledcomm and explore the magic of connectivity at the speed of light!