LiFi and WiFi: 9 Complete Differences

WiFi was used to link a select few devices, such as laptops, desktop computers, and cellphones, to the internet. But as technology use increases daily, most electronic devices are connected to the internet via WiFi, this indicates that shortly we may run out of radio frequency spectrum as a result of overusing it. As a result, LiFi is a new wireless technology that we need to keep up with our growing internet requirements.

Both LiFi and WiFi are wireless data transmission technologies, although despite their similarities, they differ significantly in that WiFi uses radio waves while LiFi uses light.

We will go through every aspect of these two networks in this article and identify their differences. So let’s get started:

Wireless Fidelity (WiFi)

Wireless high-speed internet and network connections are made possible by the wireless networking technology known as WiFi. We can communicate information between two or more devices by using this technology. It is based on a collection of standards that enable fast, secure communication between many different types of digital gear, access points, and devices. It enables WiFi-capable devices to connect to the internet without using physical connections.

A WiFi network may transmit data at a frequency range between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz and was created by NCR corporation/AT&T in the Netherlands in 1991. Numerous programs and gadgets, such as gaming consoles, home networks, PDAs, mobile phones, popular operating systems, and other consumer goods, support WiFi.

WiFi Applications

Today’s society cannot avoid using WiFi technology because the majority of electronic devices rely on it to connect to the internet.

Wi-Fi to link devices to the Internet: It gives all Wi-Fi-enabled devices within the router’s coverage a local network and access to the Internet. The Wi-Fi range might be as narrow as a few tiny rooms or as large as many square kilometers.
Geolocation: Wi-Fi Positioning System uses Wi-Fi hotspot positions to determine a device’s location.
In City-Wide Projects: For these kinds of initiatives, some cities across the globe declared plans to build a Wi-Fi network that would cover the entire city. One of these projects’ successes is “Mysore,” which gets Wi-Fi for the first time in India.

Benefits of WiFi

Moving wireless devices from one place to another is possible.
The setup and configuration of Wi-Fi is simpler than that of cables.
It cannot interact with any networks and is entirely safe.
Wi-Fi networks are capable of supporting a fast rise in users and equipment.
Anywhere inside the Wi-Fi access point has access to the network.

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The Things You Should Know About WiFi

In 1991, NCR Corporation created Wi-Fi.
With the aid of a Wi-Fi router, Wi-Fi delivers data utilizing radio waves.
used to browse the internet via Wi-Fi hotspots or Wi-Fi cafes.
Due to the fact that Wi-Fi radio frequency signals can flow through barriers, secure data transfer methods must be used.
Wi Fi uses radio frequency signals and modems to transmit data wirelessly.
Due to interference from neighboring access points, WiFi has problems (routers).
Different frequency bands, including 2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz, and 5 GHz, are used by Wi Fi.
Wi Fi’s range varies depending on transmission strength and antenna type, but it may go as far as 32 meters.
Wi Fi data transfer rates range from 150 Mbps to 2 Gbps.
Wi Fi cannot traverse seawater and cannot function in less populated areas due to considerable interference.
A router plus a subscriber device (laptops, PDAs, and desktops) make up a comprehensive Wi Fi system.
Compared to Li-Fi, Wi-Fi uses substantially more power to send data.
due to interference-related problems, works in a less crowded setting.

Light Fidelity (LiFi)

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are used in wireless optical networking technology called LiFi to transmit data. Li-Fi can transport data at fast rates throughout the visible, ultraviolet, and infrared spectrums since it is a Visible Light Communications (VLC) technology. As a result, it has a photo-detector for capturing light signals and a signal processing component for turning the information into “streamable” material.

Li-Fi is made to work with LED light bulbs, which are already common in many homes and workplaces. To put it another way, your Li-Fi bulb effectively serves as your router. Professor Harald Haas of the University of Edinburgh first used the term “Li-Fi” in a 2011 TED Talk. Haas envisioned wireless router-capable light bulbs. After doing extensive study, Prof. Haas was able to develop PureLiFi in 2012 with the goal of dominating the field of visible light communication technology.

The technology is comparable to WiFi in terms of its intended function, although WiFi transmits data via radio frequency. Li-Fi is able to work securely in locations that would ordinarily be vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, such as airline cabins, hospitals, and military barracks, since it uses light to transport data. Other benefits include a higher bandwidth channel.

LiFi Application

Being able to enjoy high-speed, high-efficiency wireless connection while employing overhead illumination makes Li-Fi a genuinely exciting piece of technology. It offers a number of important qualities, including security, high data rate capacity, and effective lighting, among others. These essential characteristics have led to the identification of several use cases, or applications. These consist of:

Programs for Sensitive Areas. In order to monitor demand, grid integrity, and core temperature (in nuclear power plants), power plants require quick, networked data systems. Wi-Fi and many other forms of radiation are harmful to vulnerable locations near power plants. Li-Fi may provide reliable connectivity in these sensitive sites in a safe and plentiful manner. Compared to the solutions that are presently in place, this may result in cost savings. Additionally, the strain on the power plant’s own reserves could be reduced. In chemical or petroleum processing facilities where other transmissions or frequencies can be risky, Li-Fi can also be used.
Traffic Control. Li-Fi may be utilized at traffic signals to interact with the LED lights on the automobiles, which can improve traffic management and reduce accident number scanning. Additionally, LED car lights can warn drivers when other cars are approaching too closely.
Applications Underwater. Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) that operate underwater are powered by sizable cables that also enable them to receive signals from their pilots above. However, ROVs’ tethers are too short to let them travel farther in their explorations. They would be considerably more free to roam if their cables were replaced with light, such as from a submerged, high powered bulb. Additionally, they were able to interact with one another, carry out data processing on their own, and periodically transmit their discoveries back to the surface using their headlights. The use of LI-FI, which can function underwater where Wi-Fi cannot, creates countless possibilities for military operations.
Aircraft Cabins. Airlines Wi-Fi is a security risk, thus we are asked to turn off our electrical gadgets while in flight. So far, the best I’ve heard is that certain airlines would “soon” provide their customers connections with “high-speed like” features and speeds of up to 9.8 Mbps per aircraft.However, you have to be either an adventure freak or a fool to play with radio waves on an airplane.
Hospitals. Due to radiation safety issues, WI-FI is not permitted in operating rooms. Additionally, there is a general shortage of dedicated spectrum. Wi-Fi interference from desktops and mobile devices prevents monitoring equipment from receiving signals. Lights are the most conspicuous objects in the space, and Li-Fi has 10,000 Light within an operating room times the spectrum of Wi-Fi.
Atomic Power Facilities. In delicate locations, including power plants, radiation from Wi-Fi and many other sources might be dangerous. However, in order to monitor demand, grid integrity, and (in nuclear reactors) core temperature, thermal power facilities require quick, networked data systems. Li-Fi could provide secure connectivity for these delicate regions since it emits no radiation. The existing power plant designs not only waste a lot of money, but they also use up a power plant’s own reserves, which may be reduced if they haven’t yet switched to LED lighting.
School Systems. The most recent technology that can deliver the quickest internet access speed is called Li-Fi. In order to utilize Li-Fi at the same speed intended in a local region, it might therefore replace WiFi at businesses and educational institutions.
Disaster Preparedness. In the aftermath of natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, Li-Fi may be a potent means of communication. Ordinary individuals might not be familiar with the procedures in such calamities. Li-Fi is unaffected by subway stations and tunnels, which are frequently considered dead zones for emergency communications. Additionally, Li-Fi lights may offer every street corner affordable high-speed Internet access during normal hours.

LiFi Benefits

For internet applications, the data transfer rate is greater.
Simple to set up.
Does not experience network interference.
Data cannot be intercepted without a direct line of sight, making it more secure.
More suited for usage in settings like hospitals and airplanes since it doesn’t cause interference in delicate devices.
Stops piggybacking.

LiFi Disadvantages

Interference:Due to the use of visible light for transmission, signals are susceptible from common illumination sources like sunlight, ordinary household lighting, etc.
Limited Range: Dispersion of light and light’s inability to pass through optically opaque objects are the two main issues that restrict the range of Li-Fi (like walls of a room).
Use of WiFi: One of the main obstacles to Li-Fi’s adoption is the pervasive use of WiFi. Li-Fi is unable to completely replace current WiFi networks due to its flaws.
- How the receiver will relay data back to the transmitter is Li-fundamental Fi’s flaw.
- On a direct line of sight, Li-Fi functions.
- The point-to-point topology of the network.
- Li-communication Li-Fi’s range is constrained.
- Light waves can be readily stopped and cannot pass through the barriers.
Implementation: It requires specialized hardware, but such hardware is not yet widely accessible.
Technological Improvements: For Li-Fi to be used by the general public and to be adopted on a broad scale, the present technology must be enhanced.
Cost: Since the technology is new, much money has been spent on its R&D, making Li-Fi quite expensive.
Uplink Issues:Li-Fi has shown incredibly fast downlink speeds, however there are uplink issues. Regarding the uplink and any clarification of its implementation, nothing has ever been said.

The Things You Should Know About LiFi

Prof. Harald Haas introduced Li-Fi for the first time in 2011.
Li-Fi uses LED lights to communicate data through light.
Used for data transfer and internet surfing in offices, homes, hospital operating rooms, airplanes, and other locations.
Since light cannot flow through barriers, Li-Fi offers a significantly more secure method of data sharing.
Li-Fi uses light signals and LED lights to transmit wireless data.
In contrast to radio frequency waves, Li-Fi does not have interference problems.
Uses wavelengths between 380 and 780 nm for operation.
10 meter maximum range.
Transport data at a rate of roughly 1 Gbps.
Signal can operate in congested areas and can travel through salty sea water due to reduced interference.
Compatible with IrD devices
A photodetector, lamp driver, and LED bulb (light) make up a full system.
Utilized to communicate data rapidly and securely at a lot lower power level.
Operates in a very crowded setting.

The Potential of LiFi Technology

Li-Fi is widely used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, universities, airlines, and more. It may be applied in settings like hospitals where it is challenging to install optical fiber. Operationally, theater LiFi is compatible with current medical equipment. LiFi may be used at traffic lights to connect with the automobiles’ LED lights and reduce the frequency of accidents. To convey data, thousands of millions of street lighting may be converted to LiFi lamps. LiFi can be used for data transfer in airplanes. In chemical or petroleum factories where other transmissions or frequencies would be hazardous, it can be used.

Such developments offer a potential speed of 100 Gbps, which translates to the ability to download an entire high definition movie in only three seconds.

Internet connections that are faster and more dependable will be possible with Li-Fi.
These technologies will be combined by Li-Fi to produce a faster, more portable form of Internet connectivity.
Since it cannot be intercepted without a direct line of sight, Li-Fi will show to be a more secure network.
Li-Fi will prevent network interference from nearby networks and won’t affect the operation of other delicate electrical equipment. So, it can be applied insensitively.

Comparison of LiFi and WiFi

Key	WiFi	LiFi
Definition	Wireless Fidelity is referred to as WiFi.	Light Fidelity is referred to as LiFi.
Invented	In 1991, NCR Corporation created WiFi.	Prof. Harald Haas first used LiFi in 2011.
Operation	Via a WiFi router, WiFi transfers data using radio waves.	LiFi uses LED lights to transfer data as light signals.
Device Compatibility	Devices that comply with WLAN 802.11/b/g/n/ac/d standards.	Devices IrDA compatible.
Speed of Data Transfer	WiFi can transport data at speeds of up to 2 Gbps.	The average LiFi transmission speed is 1 Gbps.
Frequency	2.4Ghz, 4.9Ghz and 5Ghz.	10,000 times the range of radio frequencies.
Coverage	The range of WiFi is up to 32 meters.	The range of LiFi is around 10 meters.
Components	Access points, modems, and routers.	LED driver, photo detector, and LED bulb.
Applications	Used when accessing a WiFi hotspot to browse the internet.	Utilized in airplanes and underwater research.

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We will go through every aspect of LiFi and WiFi in this article and identify their differences that are listed here.

Conclusion

Two types of wireless technology have been covered in this article. One is Li-Fi, which uses light waves to convey data that is encoded in the light beam. It is a wireless optical data communication and networking technology.

On the other hand, Wi-Fi is a widely used wireless networking technology that connects numerous devices to the internet and transmits data using radiofrequency waves.

LiFi technology is based on the Visible Light Communication (VLC) system, which consists of two parts: LED light bulbs that act as light signal transmitters and photodiodes that act as data receivers. In contrast, WiFi networking relies on RadioFrequency technology, which consists of three parts: antenna, routers, and radio waves. They are entirely dissimilar from one another.

LiFi technologies are utilized for a variety of tasks, including internet surfing and data transmission, in schools, hospitals, businesses, pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry. While WiFi technology is often used for accessing the internet or, less frequently, for locating devices through WiFi hotspots.

In comparison to WiFi network-based data transmission, LiFi technology allows for localized, secure, and substantially faster data transmission.

Even with all these benefits, the Li-Fi network will not be able to completely replace the WiFi network in the future since nothing in the world is flawless.