WiFi operates using radio waves. LiFi uses visible light, like that emitted by LED bulbs.
Some people remember the early 2000s and the internet: connecting was a lengthy process that first involved a “trying to connect” noise and then required patience. Perhaps in the future, we’ll think the same about WiFi, the technology that today allows us to stream while browsing social media or reading something.
But science is already working on something faster, so fast that it travels at the speed of light waves: LiFi. Since it uses light, even from an LED, it could also increase connectivity options in remote areas without the need for cables or antennas.
Although it’s still in its early stages of development, this technology has the potential to transform how we connect to the internet, especially in environments where radio waves are not optimal. It’s also more secure, as light waves cannot be intercepted: data transmissions are more confined to a specific physical space, making it harder for someone to spy on you.
Key Differences Between Li-Fi and Wi-Fi:
- Transmission Medium:
- Li-Fi: Uses visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light. Information is transmitted by modulating the intensity of light, which is too fast for the human eye to perceive.
- Wi-Fi: Uses radio waves to transmit data.
- Speed:
- Li-Fi: Can achieve very high speeds, even surpassing Wi-Fi, since visible light has a much broader spectrum than radio waves.
- Wi-Fi: Offers fast speeds but is limited by the available bandwidth in the radio frequency spectrum.
- Security:
- Li-Fi: Offers greater security since light cannot pass through walls. This means that data transmissions are more confined to a specific physical space, making unauthorized interceptions more difficult.
- Wi-Fi: Radio waves can pass through walls and other obstacles, which can make signals easier to intercept.
- Interference:
- Li-Fi: Does not suffer from interference from radio signals, which can be beneficial in environments with many radio frequency signals.
- Wi-Fi: Can suffer interference from other electronic devices that use radio waves, such as microwaves, mobile phones, and other WiFi routers.
- Range:
- Li-Fi: Has a more limited range since the light must be within direct or reflected line of sight. This can be a disadvantage compared to Wi-Fi, which can cover larger areas.
- Wi-Fi: Has a broader range and can penetrate walls and other obstacles, making it more versatile in its coverage.
- Availability:
- Li-Fi: Is an emerging technology and is not as widespread as Wi-Fi. It is currently being explored in specific applications such as in airplanes, hospitals, and other environments where radio signals can be problematic.
- Wi-Fi: Is a widely adopted technology and is available in most homes, offices, and public spaces.