Li-Fi: broadband Internet by light, it is for tomorrow – 01net

To transmit information wirelessly through the light, it is the promise of Li-Fi (Light Fidelity). This technology uses flashes of the LED bulbs, invisible to the naked eye, to encode and send data over the network. A prototype of bidirectional and broadband luminaire, developed by French lighting manufacturer Lucibel, has just been unveiled September 11 at the headquarters of the real estate builder Sogreprom Defense.

“This is a first in Europe. Until now, solutions were unidirectional with a downward flow and low flow mainly used for geolocation “, advance Edouard Lebrun, the li-fi project director Lucibel. SNCF or the Louvre and have tested such solutions. Conversely, Lucibel wants to offer a real alternative to Wi-Fi in terms of use. Demonstration in support, Edouard Lebrun called before us one of his colleagues on Skype without any connection problem.

A throughput of 10 Mbits / s

For now, Lucibel achieved a download speed of 10 Mbit / s throughput and an amount between 5 and 10 Mbit / s according to the state of the LAN. Very honest and a performance similar to what one can get on her computer with a DSL box. Specifically, the lighting needs to be connected to the network through an Ethernet cable. And we must also connect a compatible transceiver’s terminal. The data are received through the LED and sent by the infrared user.

Lucibel – The luminaire Lucibel prototype.

The device, however, has drawbacks. First black dot, the receiver is still cumbersome, even if its manufacturer promises a miniaturized form next key. Second snag outside visitors can connect to Li-Fi. At least not as the major manufacturers of smartphones and tablets like Samsung did not decide to come out compatible terminals.

The Li-Fi is safer than WiFi

This is why Lucibel focuses on use in closed environments for semi-mobility, as meeting rooms in business, for example. “Our solution also presents an alternative to radio waves that are harmful to health, not to mention that it does not interfere with devices such as MRI, for example. It can therefore be of interest to schools and hospitals, “ still Lebrun Edouard explains.

Another strong point confidentiality. “You can precisely direct the light beam. And if you are behind opaque walls, there is no chance that a hacker can intercept remote data you transmit as with radio waves, for example. “ Hence the idea to also target research centers and bank branches.

The first li-fi luminaries signed Lucibel will be sold in the course of the year 2016.