Global LiFi Companies Applaud the Release of IEEE 802.11bb Global Light Communications Standard

 

For light-based wireless communications, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has added the 802.11bb standard. Global Li-Fi companies have welcomed the publication of the standard because it will hasten the acceptance and distribution of the data-transmission technology standard. 

         Li-Fi proponents including pureLiFi, Fraunhofer HHI, and the Light Communications 802.11bb Task Group emphasise the benefits of employing light rather than radio frequencies (RF). In comparison to more established technologies like Wi-Fi and 5G, Li-Fi is stated to provide "faster, more reliable wireless communications with unparalleled security." It is envisaged that interoperability between Li-Fi systems and the successful Wi-Fi would be fully handled now that the IEEE 802.11bb Li-Fi standard has been established.

      Li-Fi won't entirely replace wired networks or the alternatives to Wi-Fi and 5G, of course. Radio waves continue to have a clear edge when it comes to transmission through opaque objects and a considerable distance via the atmosphere. The focus must instead be on employing horses for transportation, while also taking advantage of Li-Fi when it is practical.

You can see how a Li-Fi system uses the building's lighting infrastructure for data in the Fraunhofer HHI video up top. As part of the infrared spectrum is used for the data transmission, don't worry; there are no visible blinks or flashes from the lights.

      It's not just the alleged speeds of 224 GB/s that make Li-Fi so brilliant (no pun intended). Dominic Schulz of Fraunhofer cites the fact that it operates in a specialized optical spectrum as a guarantee of higher dependability, reduced latency, and reduced jitter. In addition, according to Shultz, "Light's line-of-sight propagation enhances security by preventing wall penetration, reducing jamming and eavesdropping risks, and enabling centimeter-precision indoor navigation."

   Now that the IEEE 802.11bb standard has been released, manufacturers can start implementing the technology where it makes sense. The Light Antenna ONE module has already been created for integration into connected devices by pureLiFi, one of the major Li-Fi wheels. OEMs are currently receiving this 14.5mm-long component (seen top and above) for evaluation. The company says in its marketing materials that Li-Fi is preferable to Wi-Fi for: more connections without congestion, improved security and privacy, and handling the bulk of the most bandwidth-intensive tasks.

   Between now and MWC in February of next year, we anticipate seeing a much wider range of Li-Fi network devices and consumer devices that support the standard emerge.