Will Li-Fi Live Up To The Hype?

Long anticipated as the faster, more versatile replacement for Wi-Fi, Li-Fi is a means of delivering Internet connectivity through lightwaves rather than the radio waves on which we currently rely for wireless networks. The technology has been around for only a few years, but it’s virtually limitless capacity, ease of use in electromagnetic sensitive areas, and potential to be incorporated into a range of household essentials have made it one of the more talked about innovations of the time. For all it has to offer our increasingly connected world, some have wondered whether Li-Fi will ultimately live up to the hype, and have even said it may not be much of a candidate to replace WiFi.

Image Source: Wikimedia

Li-Fi Potential And Limitation

While Li-Fi has already proven itself as a speedier and better network option in the technical sense, there are a number of serious obstacles it would have to overcome if it were to ever widely replace Wi-Fi in the real world. If Li-Fi were ever to become a commercial technology, developers would have to overcome the many elements that could interfere with its ability to transmit data. Other light sources, any object that blocks visible light, and other factors can all impede connectivity.  While a Li-Fi enabled lamp on your desk or overhead might be great for connecting a laptop within the same room, it’s not going to do much to keep your tablet connected in the next room. There’s also the issue of using a device in a room that you’d like to keep dark, such as a shared bedroom. Since Li-Fi relies on visual light, it’s less than ideal for such settings. Li-Fi has been proposed as a wireless network solution in hospitals, on airplanes, and in other locations where electromagnetic waves could compromise other operations, however current and future Wi-Fi adaptions may make more sense than adapting an environment to suit Li-Fi.

Image Source: Wikimedia

A Bright Spot For Niche Applications

Li-Fi still has its merits and proponents, so it doesn’t look like this technology will simply switch off. It still offers a range of benefits when used in niche applications and it pairs nicely with a growing interest and innovation in smart bulb technology. The day it becomes a real contender for Wi-Fi and a reason to toss out your router, however, may be much further than some have hoped.


What are your thoughts of Li-Fi technology? For it’s real world limitations, do you think it still has a place in future connectivity?

Article Sources:
http://techcrunch.com
http://www.techtimes.com
http://www.designntrend.com
http://www.ubergizmo.com

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