LiFi vs Wi-Fi: How Internet Through Light Works and What the Future Holds

Wireless internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. Today, we effortlessly connect smartphones, laptops, TVs, and even household appliances via Wi-Fi, rarely pausing to think about how this technology actually works. However, a new development called LiFi-short for Light Fidelity-has emerged, promising even faster and more secure network access through the use of light.

Often referred to as "internet through light," LiFi may sound like science fiction, but the technology already exists and is being tested. In this article, we'll explain:

• what LiFi is in simple terms,
• how it works,
• how it differs from Wi-Fi,
• the advantages and disadvantages,
• and whether LiFi truly has a future in 2025 and beyond.

What Is LiFi? A Simple Explanation

LiFi stands for Light Fidelity. Essentially, it is wireless data transmission using LED lamps. Here's how it works in plain language:

• The lamp flashes at extremely high speeds, invisible to the human eye.
• This flickering encodes a digital signal.
• A special sensor in your device "reads" these light changes and converts them back into an internet signal.

So, instead of using radio waves like Wi-Fi, LiFi transmits data through visible light.

How Does LiFi Work?

Basic Principle

• The light source is an LED lamp.
• The lamp is modulated-its brightness changes at very high frequencies.
• These changes transmit data in binary code (zeros and ones).
• A photodetector in the device receives and decodes the signal.

Example

Imagine a lightbulb "blinking" millions of times per second. To the human eye, the light appears steady, but the receiver detects every change and knows exactly what data is being transmitted.

Important Note: LiFi only works within the visible range of the light. If you block the lamp with your hand or leave the room, the connection is lost.

Wi-Fi: A Quick Refresher

To understand the difference, let's recall how Wi-Fi operates:

• Wi-Fi transmits data via radio waves.
• Its range extends for dozens of meters and can pass through walls.
• However, Wi-Fi faces limitations: interference from other networks, restricted frequency bands, and reduced speeds with many connected devices.

Wi-Fi is versatile, but its weak points are channel congestion and radio interference.

LiFi vs Wi-Fi: Key Differences

As a result, LiFi does not directly compete with Wi-Fi-instead, it serves as a complementary technology.

LiFi Speed and Real-World Performance

Theoretically, LiFi speeds can reach up to 100 Gbps, several times faster than even the latest Wi-Fi versions. In practice, current speeds are much lower, but still impressive compared to existing wireless options.

Speed Limitations

• The signal cannot pass through walls.
• Performance depends on the quality of the LED lamp.
• Your device needs a compatible receiver (still rare).

If Wi-Fi is built for versatility, LiFi could become the champion for speed in enclosed spaces.

Advantages and Disadvantages of LiFi

Advantages

• High data transfer speeds-tens of times faster than Wi-Fi.
• No radio interference-ideal for locations where Wi-Fi is restricted.
• Enhanced security-the signal does not leave the room.
• Energy efficiency-LED lamps provide both lighting and internet access.

Disadvantages

• Limited range-works only within direct sight of the lamp.
• Need for lighting-if the lamp is off, the connection is lost.
• Lack of compatible devices-LiFi technology is still experimental.

Potential Applications of LiFi

Although LiFi is still rare in consumer markets, several promising uses are emerging:

• Aviation-providing internet to passengers without radio interference.
• Healthcare-hospitals and labs where radio waves can interfere with equipment.
• Offices and business centers-high-speed data transfer within rooms.
• Smart homes-lamps that both light rooms and supply internet.
• Military facilities-added security, as the signal cannot be intercepted from outside.

LiFi in 2025 and Beyond: The Outlook

Currently, LiFi is being implemented in pilot projects. Universities and research centers are conducting tests, while major companies are developing the first smartphones and laptops with built-in LiFi support.

Future Prospects

• Widespread adoption of LiFi in consumer gadgets is still unlikely in the near future.
• The technology will be used for niche applications: transportation, healthcare, and defense.
• In the future, we may see a combination: Wi-Fi for everyday internet needs, LiFi for specialized scenarios.

Conclusion

LiFi sounds like a technology from the future-and in some ways, it is. It promises speeds up to 100 Gbps, freedom from radio interference, and an entirely new level of security. But it also has significant limitations: a short range and the need for line-of-sight transmission.

LiFi is not a replacement for Wi-Fi, but a supplement.

• Wi-Fi will remain the universal standard for homes, public spaces, and offices.
• LiFi will find its niche where speed and security are critical.

Ultimately, LiFi is not a myth but a reality-albeit one still in development. In the coming years, the technology will continue to evolve, and perhaps in a decade, the lamps in our homes will not only light up rooms, but also provide internet access.