The release of the IEEE 802.11bb Li-Fi standard is expected to effectively address interoperability concerns between Li-Fi systems and existing Wi-Fi infrastructure.
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has officially recognized 802.11bb as the standard for light-based wireless communications. This development has garnered positive reception from global Li-Fi enterprises, as it will expedite the implementation and adoption of this data-transmission technology. Prominent proponents of Li-Fi, such as pureLiFi, Fraunhofer HHI, and the Light Communications 802.11bb Task Group, highlight the advantages of utilizing light instead of radio frequencies (RF). Li-Fi is lauded for its ability to deliver faster and more reliable wireless communications, boasting unparalleled security compared to conventional technologies like Wi-Fi and 5G.
Coexistence of Wi-Fi, 5G, and Li-Fi:
It is important to note that Li-Fi will not replace Wi-Fi, 5G, or wired networks. Radio waves still possess a distinct advantage in long-distance transmission through the atmosphere and solid objects. The focus should instead be on leveraging each technology's strengths according to specific use cases, making the most of Li-Fi's unique advantages.
Light-Based Data Transmission and Security:
Li-Fi's ability to repurpose a building's lighting infrastructure for data transmission is demonstrated in the Fraunhofer HHI video mentioned above. Notably, the data transmission occurs in the infrared spectrum, ensuring that the lights remain steady without visible blinking or flashing.
The true value of Li-Fi extends beyond its remarkable speeds of up to 224 GB/s. According to Dominic Schulz from Fraunhofer, Li-Fi's exclusive use of the optical spectrum guarantees enhanced reliability, lower latency, and reduced jitter. Furthermore, Li-Fi's line-of-sight propagation enhances security by preventing wall penetration, minimizing risks of jamming and eavesdropping, and enabling precise indoor navigation.
Integration of Li-Fi Technology:
With the publication of the IEEE 802.11bb standard, manufacturers can now confidently integrate Li-Fi technology into their devices where applicable. Leading Li-Fi company, pureLiFi, has already developed the Light Antenna ONE module, a compact component measuring 14.5mm in length (shown in the image above). This module is currently being supplied to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for evaluation. pureLiFi highlights several advantages of Li-Fi over Wi-Fi, including increased connection capacity without congestion, improved security and privacy, and support for high-bandwidth tasks.
Anticipated Expansion of Li-Fi Network Devices:
We can expect a wide range of Li-Fi network devices and user devices supporting the standard to emerge by the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February. The release of the IEEE 802.11bb standard paves the way for a more comprehensive Li-Fi ecosystem and increased adoption of this innovative networking technology
IEEE 802.11bb Standard: Li-Fi, the Light-Based Networking 100x Faster Speeds Than Wi-Fi
