It has thousands of practical applications, and can decongest the internet in public spaces. But Li-Fi still has a lot to learn from Wi-Fi when it comes to reach.
O Li-Fi is the abbreviation of Light Fidelity, and it is a wireless communication technology that Use light. This makes Li-Fi and reliable than Wi-Fi in many situations, but has its limitations. How does it work?
The professor at the Institute of Physics at Unicamp Lázaro Padilha explains that Li-Fi is a technology similar to Wi-Fi. However, “Wi-Fi is based on radio wave transmissions and Li-Fi by light waves”.
As with television commands, Li-Fi uses light to send and receive commands. But in a much more advanced way.
Li-Fi uses a special LED light source, which is modulated, that is, that “turns on and off” several times at very high speedsalmost impossible to accompany the human eye.
Modulation causes the intensity of light to increase and decrease, so it represents the binary digital data, composed of zeros and some. The receiving device needs a light sensor, which will receive light intensity variations and turn them into data.
Why use Li-Fi?
Li-Fi is an alternative to Wi-Fi in where radio waves can be interference or interfere with the operation of other equipment. However, like light cannot cross wallsits use becomes limited.
Professor at the Institute of Physics at the University of Campinas, Newton Frateschi, explains that in situations such as under water or in places with possible wave interferenceLi-Fi is a great alternative.
For example, in communication between divers “because the radio wave has a large penetration activity, but has a wavelength range to a certain depth in the ocean or in Rio, ”says Frateschi.
That is, Li-Fi is recommended for situations where there is a controlled environment and with minimal interference of obstacles.
As in meeting rooms, where all systems and computers are connected. Because it is a controlled environment, data transfer by light waves dramatically decreases the possibility of data violation.
“As it is more localized, where it does not escape light, it will not be able to get information. The radio wave penetrates the wall and leaves, the light does not. Thus there is a place where lighting is only inside and blocking itself, is over. So it’s much safer, ”says Frateschi.
Where can it be used?
See some possible applications of Li-Fi technology:
- In systems of hospitals and booths of planewhich are radio frequency sensitive environments;
- In places with large agglomerationssuch as spectacles and sports events in stadiums, in order to reduce Wi-Fi congestion, which is common in these environments;
- Under marwhere the light comes, since radio waves do not propagate so well in water;
- Posts of lighting on the street, which could provide internet connection beyond lighting;
- In systems of securityas they are mostly in rooms in business or government offices, and as there would be no interference from external radio waves, it would make the system safer.
Li-Fi podes Substiciir is Wi-Fi?
For now it is difficult to think of this possibility, as Li-Fi has the limitation of not being able to cross walls.
For Li-Fi to replace Wi-Fi, it would be necessary Communication without obstacles Between internet router and computers and mobile phones, for example.
In a house, It would be necessary a router in each division So that the person could use the internet, as the light does not cross walls.
Li-Fi can become a complement to Wi-Fi and is useful in specific situations, especially in closed environments, but in everyday use, It is unlikely.
