LiFi vs WiFi - Understanding the Difference
- Vanessa Merrell
- Comparison
The world is getting more interconnected every day. The foundation of all the connectivity is the internet. Reliable and high-speed internet access has become an essential utility for almost everyone. This dependability started the quest for faster and more reliable internet connectivity. It led to the development of two significant technologies, LiFi and WiFi.
WiFi has been the leading wireless internet technology for decades. However, LiFi is also emerging as a cutting-edge solution that can shape the future of wireless connectivity.
However, what is the difference between LiFi and WiFi, and which one reigns supreme? That is what we are going to discuss in this blog. We will break down the basics of LiFi and WiFi, highlighting the key differences. It will help you choose the technology that best fits your needs.
WiFi and LiFi provide wireless connectivity, yet the fundamental principles behind their workings are very different. If you plan to invest in any of these technologies, then it is crucial to know the differences between them.
Attribute | WiFi | LiFi |
Technology | Radio Frequency (RF) waves | Light signals (LED) |
Data Transfer Speed | Up to 9.6 Gbps (theoretical) | Up to 224 Gbps (theoretical) |
Range | Up to 50 meters (outdoor) | Up to 10 meters |
Security | Susceptible to interference and hacking | Highly secure |
Latency | Around 20 ms | Lower latency around 0.5 ms |
Scalability | Limited by radio frequency spectrum availability | High potential for scalability |
Interference | Prone to interference | Not affected by interference |
Cost | Relatively inexpensive infrastructure | More expensive upfront cost |
Environmental Impact | Low power consumption | Very low power consumption |
Applications | Homes, offices, public spaces, mobile devices | Hospitals, airplanes, factories, underwater communication |
Today, WiFi is everywhere, from homes to offices and even bus stops. We as a civilization have an inseparable bond with this revolutionary tech and cannot imagine our lives without it. Despite being so widespread, many do not know what it is and how it works.
To explain, WiFi is a technology that uses radio waves to provide network connectivity. The WiFi device creates a network space using radio waves. The router is connected to the internet, transmitting data to and from the network to the devices, enabling users to access the internet wirelessly. Let’s dive into WiFi’s core workings and unique features.
As stated above, the WiFi works using radio waves. For an analogy, they work using the same principles as walkie-talkies. These invisible waves travel at the speed of light, allowing for wireless connection between devices.
Most WiFi devices work in a frequency range of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. This frequency range is derived from the wireless network protocols, which in turn are derived from the standards of IEEE 802.11.
The 2.4 GHz band offers a wider range but is more susceptible to interference from other devices like Bluetooth. On the other hand, the 5 GHz provides much faster speed. However, its coverage area is also relatively less.
The speeds provided by WiFi devices have increased significantly over the years. Yet they vary greatly depending on the version of standards and the location. Earlier standards like 802.11b offered speeds of 1 to 11 Mbps, while the latest standard 802.11ax or WiFi 6 boasts speeds of up to 9.6 Gbps.
The range of WiFi is another factor that determines its performance. If you have ever felt slow internet speeds and constant video buffering while loading videos, it is because you are not in range of the WiFi device. The typical range of a WiFi signal can vary from 20 to 50 meters indoors depending on walls, interference, and the WiFi standard used.
If you have ever tried hacking or logging into someone else’s WiFi, you might know it is not easy. WiFi networks use encryption techniques like WPA2 to scramble data transmitted over the network. However, WiFi remains susceptible to interference from other devices on the same frequency and potential security exploits.
Light Fidelity, or LiFi is a next-generation wireless connectivity technology (still in the works) that will replace WiFi in the future. The LiFi uses small LEDs to transmit data through the modulation of light waves. Although the tech is very complicated, the working principle behind it can be understood easily.
The basic principle behind LiFi involves encoding data into light signals by rapidly varying the intensity of LED lights. The light modulation of the signals is so fast that it is undetectable to the human eye.
The signals are received by a photodetector, such as a photodiode or a smartphone camera, which converts the light signals back into data for communication. LiFi operates within the visible light spectrum, the wavelength of which ranges from 80 nanometers (violet) to 780 nanometers (red).
One of the factors that make LiFi potentially more beneficial is the blazing-fast data transfer speeds. Tests have shown that the LiFi data transfer speeds can reach up to a staggering 224 Gbps. However, in real-life situations, this speed can be relatively low.
When it comes to comparison between WiFi and LiFi in terms of availability and coverage area, LiFi is at a clear disadvantage. Unlike the radio waves in WiFi, light waves cannot penetrate walls and travel long distances. It makes LiFi very confined and a much less practical alternative to WiFi.
However, this characteristic of LiFi also provides some added security benefits. Due to its limited coverage area, the LiFi networks offer an extra layer of security, making it ideal for secure communication in sensitive areas like hospitals, government buildings, or conference rooms.
There is no simple answer to this question. We have discussed LiFi and WiFi in detail, and both these technologies have their merits and demerits. Both are good, depending on their intended use.
WiFi is best suited for applications that require uninterrupted internet over vast areas, like homes, offices, and public spaces, thanks to the radio waves that can easily penetrate walls. In addition to this, WiFi has established infrastructure, widespread compatibility, and robust performance, making it a versatile solution for various use cases.
If your applications demand ultra-high bandwidth, such as real-time data transfer in factories or high-definition video streaming, LiFi’s speeds outperform WiFi. Plus, if you work in areas where data is of high importance, such as conference halls, aviation, and hospitals, getting LiFi might be a better choice.
The ideal scenario might involve a future where LiFi and WiFi coexist, complementing each other’s strengths.
LiFi’s operation is a beautiful symphony of light and technology. It turns the simple act of illumination into a sophisticated method of communication. This isn’t just any ordinary bulb; it’s equipped with a special chip to modulate light at high speeds.
Wi-Fi is a technology that enables devices to exchange data wirelessly over a network using radio waves. It’s a standard protocol that operates on the IEEE 802.11 family of standards, allowing computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices to connect to the Internet or a local area network without physical cables.
The term “Wi-Fi” is often used to describe both the technology itself and the wireless connection a device has to a network. Wi-Fi networks can be found in homes, businesses, airports, and many public places. They are typically created using a wireless router that transmits data to and from a wired Internet connection.
Wi-Fi operates on various frequency bands, such as 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, which determine the range and speed of the connection. Security is an essential aspect of Wi-Fi, and various encryption methods, such as WPA2 and WPA3, are used to protect the data transmitted over the network.
WiFi, the technology for wireless internet connection, operates through a series of steps that enable devices to communicate without physical cables. Here’s how it works:
Both LiFi and WiFi stand as remarkable technologies, each with its unique attributes, capabilities, and applications. They represent two different paths to the same destination: efficient internet connectivity.
WiFi has become the backbone of modern connectivity. Its widespread availability, ease of use, and adaptability have made it a staple in homes, businesses, and public spaces. LiFi, on the other hand, is a newer entrant, dazzling with its innovative use of light for data transmission.
The comparison between LiFi and WiFi is not a battle of supremacy but a harmonious coexistence. They are not competitors but collaborators in the vast orchestra of digital communication. While WiFi continues to be the familiar tune, LiFi adds a new melody, enriching the symphony of connectivity.
As we move forward in the future, the exploration and integration of both technologies will shape wireless communication.
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