A new technology called Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) promises connections up to 100 times faster than Wi-Fi. According to researchers, the new alternative technology transmits high-speed data using visible light communication, which would reach speeds of 1 Gbps, which is about 100 times faster than a standard WiFi.

Created in 2011, the transmission via Li-Fi is made using LED lights, which flicker on and off so fast that it is completely imperceptible to the human eye. Li-Fi could, ofr example, allow users to download an HD movie in a few seconds.

 

 

“We are doing a few pilot projects within different industries where we can utilise the VLC (visible light communication) technology,” Deepak Solanki, CEO of Estonian tech company, Velmenni, told IBTimes UK.

“Currently we have designed a smart lighting solution for an industrial environment where the data communication is done through light. We are also doing a pilot project with a private client where we are setting up a Li-Fi network to access the Internet in their office space.”

However, Velmenni was not the only company interested in bringing Li-Fi to the real world. Other names, such as Oledcomm and pureLiFi by the creator of technology Harald Haas, are also working to commercialize the technology. As Li-Fi is based on light, it cannot go through walls and would have a more limited range than Wi-Fi – which also means greater security.