What is LiFi Technology?

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Mar 1, 2023, 13:06

LiFi is the acronym for Light Fidelity'. The wireless LiFi Technology facilitates bi-directional data transmission through infrared or LED light. It had been conceptualized to provide internet at lighting fast speed. The technology will make internet connection possible through LED TV, street lamps, and other light sources on implementation.

History of LiFi Technology

LiFi Technology was first tested for viability in 2011. It is the brainchild of Harald Haas, a German Physicist and professor at the University of Edinburgh, who is the Head of LiFi Research and Development Centre. Since 2011, significant advancement in research has been made in this field. LiFi doesn't use a microwave-based radio frequency for data transmission. Instead, a chip-driven light source is needed to transmit the internet signal using a light wave.

Advantages of LiFi Technology Over WiFi

LiFi Technology enjoys an array of advantages over the current WiFi. The reasons why LiFi is being projected as the internet technology for the future have been comparatively enlisted below -

WiFi Technology	LiFi Technology
Internet Connectivity	A router is needed for internet connection	For surfing the web, the device has to be pointed toward a light source
Speed of Connection	Maximum 5 GHz band frequency	A significantly high data stream can be transmitted per second as a 2,00,000 GHz band frequency can be achieved (100x faster than WiFi)
Download Speed	Maximum 300 Mbit/S	42.8 GBit/S speed has been achieved through a 2.5m radius infrared light source (Study by the University of Eindhoven in 2017); 224 GBit/S can also be obtained
Connection Saturation	A sudden surge in web users causes saturation, server crashes, speed is reduced, and the connection gets interrupted	Network congestion will never happen even at peak usage levels with millions of concurrent connections
Connectivity Cost	After the initial set-up cost, the user has to shell out significant money for usage	10x cheaper, extensive hardware installation or maintenance not needed
Usage Restriction	Internet connection is prohibited in zones where electromagnetic radiation can pose threat (inside the aeroplane, near petrol pump etc.)	No restriction whatsoever
Ease of Setup	Low as special components are required	High as every light source can easily be transformed into a connection point for the internet by simply fitting the LiFi emitter.
Security	Low as even highly encrypted data transmitted via radio waves can be intercepted and deciphered	Very high as light cannot penetrate opaque surfaces, which makes it impossible for hackers to intercept the LiFi signal

Important Exams
UPSC Exam	IBPS PO Exam
SSC Exam	Defence Exam
SSC CHSL Exam	SSC Steno Exam
RRB JE Exam	SSC CGL Exam
RRB NTPC Exam	IBPS Clerk Exam
IBPS SO Exam	UPPSC Exam

Other Interesting Facts About LiFi Technology

Listed below are some amazing facts about LiFi Technology -

A person's location can be traced by lampposts conferred with unique identifiers.
Traffic info can be conveyed to vehicle drivers through the LED headlamps of approaching vehicles.
Electrical appliances like fridges can be networked by connecting them to the light.
In museums, artwork's lighting arrangement can network with viewers' phones to share its history.
Voice communication underwater can be streamlined as light waves can travel greater distances inside water than other waves.
Privacy can be protected better as sensitive information can be transmitted in high fidelity with more secure communication interfaces.
The shop's lighting will offer all relevant details about the products put on display.
A spectrum of light is 10,000x more spacious than a spectrum of radio which makes transmitting higher data volume with LiFi easier.

☛ Also Get: Today's Current Affairs PDF

LiFi Technology will redefine the future of internet access by offering a host of advantages to users. For example, one can download a 1.5 GB movie within thousandths of a second. The LiFi Research and Development Centre at the University of Edinburgh has made significant breakthroughs in the LiFi realm. Tests are underway at different office locations with LED luminaires. In the aeronautics field, solutions have been devised with LiFi that will be integrated with commercial flights soon.

More Current Affairs Topics
Glaciers	Glaciers In India
Glass Bridge In India	Global Alliance For Vaccines And Immunization Gavi
Global Alliance Of National Human Rights Institution Ganhri	Global Ayurveda Summit
Global Climate Change Alliance Gcca	Global Climate Risk Index 2021
Global Competitiveness Index Report	Global Cybersecurity Index Gci

FAQs on LiFi Technology

Q 1. What is the meaning of LiFi in LiFi Technology?

LiFi stands for Light Fidelity in LiFi Technology.

Q2. Who is the inventor of LiFi Technology?

The German Physicist, Harald Haas, a professor at the University of Edinburgh, heads the LiFi Research and Development Centre and is the inventor of the LiFi Technology.

Q 3. When was LiFi Technology first tested?

LiFi Technology was first tested In 2011.

Q 4. Is LiFi Technology better than present WiFi technology?

Yes, LiFi Technology is faster, cheaper, more efficient, and more secure than WiFi. It also offers astounding download speeds.

Q 5. How does LiFi Technology function?

LiFi Technology works through light waves emitted by sources of light fitted with uniquely coded chips.