What is LiFi ? Definition and functioning

What is LiFi ?

Have you heard of LiFi? Behind this familiar-sounding four-letter word lies one of the biggest paradigm shifts in the history of Internet connectivity. What is LiFi, how does it work, what are the benefits and where does it come from, you’ll know everything about the acronym that is shaping the telecommunication of tomorrow.

LiFi: Definition

LiFi, for Light Fidelity, is a technology for connecting to the Internet through light. The product of years of research and development, LiFi now allows users to benefit from a high-speed Internet connection that is stable, secure and safe for health. The transmission of data via LiFi is based on the pulsation of a light beam from a transmitter device, connected by wire to the Internet network, to a receiver device, connected to the device or – soon – integrated into it.

How LiFi works

How does LiFi work? You’re probably no stranger to Morse code, which allows communication in series of short and long pulses. LiFi is not so different. LED bulbs equipped with LiFi technology emit a signal by modulating their light intensity at a rate of tens of thousands of variations per second. This light pulse, completely imperceptible to the naked eye, is captured and converted into a binary system and then translated by our connected devices like any other digital information. This transmission takes place between an Access Point (transmitter), usually installed on the ceiling to maximize the coverage of the light beam, and a Dongle (receiver) connected to the user’s computer, smartphone or tablet.

Advantages of LiFi

• An impregnable technology: unlike WiFi radio frequency waves that can be hacked from outside, the data transmitted via LiFi is strictly confined to the broadcast room. This advantage is central to the issues faced by government entities, law firms and other sensitive data clusters prone to cybercrime.
• Fast connectivity with up to 1 Gbps throughput. A consistent connection that allows multiple users to browse simultaneously without latency. Schools and open spaces can benefit from optimal Internet access to work and learn without hindrance.
• No radio frequency pollution that can impact health, especially that of the most fragile in hospitals, nurseries and kindergartens.
• A light installation that allows remarkable savings as well as a reduction of the carbon footprint in the fields of transport and aeronautics.
• The light waves used by LiFi do not interfere with radio frequency waves. LiFi is therefore compatible with other wireless communication technologies such as WiFi, 4G and 5G. This feature also makes it an optimal device for air travel as it does not interfere with onboard equipment.

The origin of the term LiFI

As mentioned earlier, the name LiFi is short for Light Fidelity. In this term introduced in 2011 by a professor at the University of Edinburgh, the word “light” refers to the use of light, while “fidelity” is part of a line of technological acronyms dating back to the mid-20th century. Indeed, the name refers to the acronym WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), itself derived from the word HiFi (High Fidelity). To find out more about LiFi and its applications in your industry, contact us.