Lifi

A new technology that can transfer data by almost 1GBps has been developed by an Estonian start–up Velmenni.  The technology known as Lifi is almost 100 times faster than Wifi.

Lifi works on the concept of Visible Light Communication (VLC) and uses LED light to transfer data between networks. But unlike Wifi, Lifi cannot breach walls and reach the other side as it works only on visible light. This drawback, however, makes Lifi more secure than Wifi. The term ‘Lifi’ was first coined by Professor Herald Hass from the University of Edinburgh in 2011 who pioneered this technology. This is the first time that the technology has been used in a real world setting.

In 2011, Professor Hass asserted that Lifi could be transmitted through lightbulbs by fitting small microchips in every potential illumination device that would fulfil the requirements of both, lighting and wireless transmission. Deepak Solanki, CEO of Velmenni said, “The technology, due to its limitations, could be used parallel to the existing technology to increase the network’s speed and efficiency, though it may not replace Wifi very soon.”