Will Li-Fi surpass Wi-Fi?

A descendant of Wi-Fi (“Wireless Fidelity”), which has become essential in both homes and offices, Li-Fi (“Light Fidelity”) could well end up monopolizing the market within a few years.

This innovative technology works like Wi-Fi, with one key difference: Wi-Fi transmits radio waves, while Li-Fi uses a beam of light invisible to the human eye. In other words, Li-Fi utilizes the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum, while Wi-Fi uses the radio portion.

Contrary to what one might think, Li-Fi technology isn't new, but dates back to 1880! Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, gave the first demonstration of optical communication: the sound of his voice was transmitted over several hundred meters using sunlight. This wireless communication system was therefore developed well before the advent of radio communications.

So what does Li-Fi offer that Wi-Fi doesn't already?

First of all: the frequency band covered by the light spectrum is not regulated. This means it is not subject to a license fee, unlike Wi-Fi. It's also important to know that its transmission method does not interfere with radio waves. Therefore, Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G signals are maintained without additional interference, beyond what they already experience.

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Li-Fi and security

Its method of transmission, a beam of light, cannot pass through obstacles such as walls, unlike the radio waves emitted by Wi-Fi. Therefore, only devices in a room equipped with an access point can obtain a Li-Fi connection.

Thus, in terms of cybersecurity and the fight against network hacking, LiFi solutions are the best available, far surpassing Wi-Fi. So much so that some governments (and embassies) have adopted them to ensure that the confidentiality necessary for government operations remains intact and is not subject to network hacking.

Li-Fi and performance

Secondly, Li-Fi is significantly more efficient than its predecessor. Because it doesn't use radio waves, the transmission doesn't lose power. Connectivity is therefore stable and doesn't suffer from latency in the transmitted data rate.

Combined with the installation of photonic antennas (the number of which depends on the size of the room to be covered), connectivity is then deployed optimally. In a society where everything is constantly accelerating, Li-Fi is becoming an increasingly sought-after solution, particularly by professionals.

Finally, if it were necessary to quantify the current performance of Li-Fi speed, it is relevant to mention that it has averaged 40 Mb/s since 2018. In 2015, the speed was only 10 Mb/s: we therefore see a clear evolution in the space of three years.

Li-Fi and health

Over the years, researchers have realized that the electromagnetic waves generated by Wi-Fi have a negative impact on the human brain. The current era means that

We are constantly confronted with these waves, even via our mobile phones with 4G and 5G.

Li-Fi could therefore become the long-term solution to this problem, reducing radio frequency wave pollution, which has become harmful due to its constant and ubiquitous presence. Since the signal travels through the optical spectrum of the electromagnetic field, it is completely harmless to humans.

As you will have understood, Li-Fi is set to replace Wi-Fi within a few years, this new technology clearly showing positive points in the face of many problems that we have faced until now.