Let there be light.
It's true we sometimes refer to wi-fi as why fi out of frustration at slow connections. But here's something that might redefine the whole idea of speed when it comes to connecting to the Internet.
It's called Li-Fi. Light Fidelity. This technology transmits high speed data using light from LED bulbs instead of radio waves, as is the case now.
In the video above, Harald Haas the creator of this technology, explains how it works. Earlier, in a 2011 TED talk the German Physicist had outlined the idea of using light bulbs as wireless routers, demonstrating that a flickering light from a single LED bulb can transmit more data than a cellular tower.
Visible Light Communication, as the technology is also called, is in its trial stages. This week it was tested for the first time outside a laboratory, in an industrial environment in Tallinn. An Indian-Estonian company, Velmenni, started by two Indian engineers – Deepak Solanki and Saurabh Garg – carried this out.
Solanki told the International Business Times, "We are doing a few pilot projects within different industries where we can utilise the VLC (visible light communication) technology".
The technology could reach consumers "within three to four years", he added.
The Li-Fi technology used by Velmenni in the pilot is able to send data at up to 1GB per second, reportedly. What does that mean for you? Simple: a high-definition film could be downloaded in just a few seconds.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!