Li.Fi coming up soon hotter than WiFi

A new method of delivering data, which uses the
visible spectrum rather than radio waves, has
been tested in a working office.
Li-fi can deliver internet access 100 times faster
than traditional wi-fi, offering speeds of up to
1Gbps (gigabit per second).
It requires a light source, such as a standard LED
bulb, an internet connection and a photo detector.
It was tested this week by Estonian start-up
Velmenni, in Tallinn.
Velmenni used a li-fi-enabled light bulb to
transmit data at speeds of 1Gbps. Laboratory
tests have shown theoretical speeds of up to
224Gbps.
It was tested in an office, to allow workers to
access the internet and in an industrial space,
where it provided a smart lighting solution.
Speaking to the International Business Times,
chief executive Deepak Solanki said that the
technology could reach consumers "within three
to four years".
The term li-fi was first coined by Prof Harald
Haas from Edinburgh University, who
demonstrated the technology at a Ted
(Technology, Entertainment and Design)
conference in 2011.
His talk, which has now been watched nearly two
million times, showed an LED lamp streaming
video.
Prof Haas described a future when billions of
light bulbs could become wireless hotspots.
One of the big advantages of li-fi is the fact that,
unlike wi-fi, it does not interfere with other radio
signals, so could be utilised on aircraft and in
other places where interference is an issue.
While the spectrum for radio waves is in short
supply, the visible light spectrum is 10,000 times
larger, meaning it is unlikely to run out any time
soon.
But the technology also has its drawbacks - most
notably the fact that it cannot be deployed
outdoors in direct sunlight, because that would
interfere with its signal.
Neither can the technology travel through walls
so initial use is likely to be limited to places
where it can be used to supplement wi-fi
networks, such as in congested urban areas or
places where wi-fi is not safe, such as hospitals