At some point in the near future we will switch from using WiFi (wireless fidelity) to LiFi (light fidelity) to transmit all that data that we consume in ever increasing amounts.
WiFi uses a radio frequency to transmit data from an access point (e.g. a router that is connected to the internet) to devices nearby. The signal spreads out in a radius and bounces off walls and other surfaces till it reaches the device that you are using. These signals are detected by your device (e.g. computer or phone) and then translated into a form that the device can understand. Thanks to the speed of radio waves this only takes a fraction of a second.
LiFi is a Visible Light Communications (VLC) system. Your TV remote is another example of a VLC system. LiFi uses visible light (e.g. the LED light bulbs in every room) to transmit data. Light signals are easier to focus and concentrate in one area making LiFi stronger and significantly faster, 100 times faster, than WiFi.
LiFi relies on LED bulbs which can be switched on and off so quickly that the human eye cannot detect it. This flickering is translated into actual data by photoreceivers that receive the light signals, which in turn are turned into streamable content.
There are a range of advantages to LiFi over WiFi:
Speed and Bandwidth, LiFi can deliver multiple Gigabytes per second speeds to mobile devices.
Reliability, LiFi provides a higher level of reliability enabling interference-free communications and greater data density thus improving the user experience. LiFi signals can still be detected in a room fully lit by sunlight and in a room that appears to be dark (the bulb is still powered however the light signal is not enough to light the room, additionally LiFi can use the invisible parts of the light spectrum e.e. infra-red).
Low Latency, LiFi offers latency three times lower than WiFi which improves automation and applications such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (I will cover both in future newsletters).
Security, Light can be contained and secured in a physical space. LiFi also enables additional control via precise localization for asset tracking and user authentication.
Localisation, LiFi is fully networked and each LiFi enabled light has a unique IP address which means advanced geofencing can can simply be deployed within your home network (turn your kids internet access off in their rooms whenever you want!)
Interference Free, Radio transmissions are vulnerable to interference from a wide range of devices such as cordless phones, microwaves and neighboring WiFi networks. LiFi networks are defined by the area of illumination reducing interference from other networks.
LiFi products are available now however they will become more useful and more widely adopted as 5G wireless technology delivers vastly higher bandwidth. Imagine a future where every room in your house has a LiFi enabled LED light bulb and you can get high speed connectivity wherever you are in the home.
Other uses for LiFi will include automated vehicles. The amount of data detected and used by automated vehicles will be massive. LiFi and the 5G network will be required. The high reliability, speed, bandwidth, low latency and freedom from interference will be critical for the safe operation of automated vehicles. Cars will also be able to quickly communicate with each other and the traffic signals around them.
Li-Fi began developing around 2010, however the idea of communicating through visible light communications dates back to the 1880s. It started with Alexander Graham Bell. Bell invented a device called the “photophone,” which transmitted speech via flickers of sunlight over several hundred meters. This pre-dates the transmission of speech by radio. The rise of the telephone as the primary mode of audio communication meant that this technology remained undeveloped for 130 years after its’ initial conceptualization.
What other 130 year old ideas are out there, still waiting to be commercialized?
Two more things before I go:
Firstly, last week I spoke about the 8 finalists at the Launch Festival in Sydney. Which startup did Jason and his team think would be the most likely to be able to raise capital in Silicon Valley? They thought it would be Winely. There are 2,600 wineries in Australia and New Zealand and over 100,000 in the US. That is a fraction of the worldwide wine business. Wine is a high value product that people will pay higher and higher prices for better quality. The team has a great product in an attractive industry where there is a demonstrated need. Additionally they have great founders that not only have the vision but that have executed well so far in their journey.
Secondly the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing is rapidly approaching. NASA has put the audio (and some visuals) of the entire mission online. Listen in to everything that was said from takeoff to landing and return.
This photo was taken by Apollo 11 at 3.03pm on July 17th 1969. You can see Australia in the bottom left.
Paying it Forward
If you have a start-up or know of a start-up that has a product, ready for market please let me know. I would be happy to have a look and give the start-up a shout out to my readers if it is something that I think they could use. If you have any questions or comments please email me via my website craigcarlyon.com
Till next week.