Surfing the internet would soon be a different experience as Wi-Fi is all set to be replaced by its counterpart Li-fi which can provide 100 times faster speed then Wi-Fi.
Li-FI uses visible spectrum instead of radio waves to deliver data which allows it to generate speeds up to 1 GBPS (gigabyte per second).
What it requires working is a light source like LED bulb, an internet connection and a phone detector.
Initial tests for this next generation of technology were carried by an Estonian start-up Velmenni, in Tallinn. Laboratory test showed theoretical speeds of up to 224 GBPS while Velmenni was able to transmit data at 1 GBPS through li-fi enabled LED bulb.
According to Velmenni’s CEO while speaking with the IBTimes, this technology could be with the consumers within next 3 to 4 years. So, it is safe to say Wi-Fi technology would be a thing of past by 2020.
Li-fi first came into the spotlight in 2011 when it was demonstrated in a conference by a professor from Edinburgh. He demonstrated an LED lamp, streaming videos.
Professor also discussed on how billions of light bulbs can be wireless hotspots of the future.
The advantage of this technology is that unlike Wi-Fi it does not interfere with other radio signal so could be used in aircraft and other similar places where this has been an issue.
Furthermore, spectrum for radio waves isn’t much in supply but the visible light spectrum is at least 10,000 times larger so can fulfill demands for several years.
But, this technology cannot bear direct impact of the sunlight this can interfere its signals, so that is one big disadvantage of li-fi.
What is Li-Fi?
Does Wi-Fi Makes People Sick?
Li-fi also cannot walk through walls so initially li-fi may well be used at limited places like congested urban areas or places like hospitals alongside Wifi until researchers can work out on how to overcome its disadvantages to making it available worldwide on every single place.
IBTimes