LiFi Pros & Cons - LiFi.co (2024)

The Cons of LiFi

LiFi is fast, secure and efficient. It seems that it can do no wrong but nothing is perfect, including LiFi. So, what’s the catch?

Limited Range

The fact that light can’t penetrate through walls might be a good thing when it comes to security but this also means that LiFi has a very limited range. That means you can only use it effectively in closed spaces. In establishments, lights must be tactically placed in rooms, and halls to expand the scope of the LiFi network. In open spaces, Wi-Fi’s coverage can go up to 32 meters but LiFi can only go up to 10 meters.

Limited Compatibility

Since LiFi is a new technology, not many devices are compatible with it. Most devices that we use now still use hardware for Wi-Fi networking and it’s unlikely that we will see LiFi enabled personal devices in the next couple of years.

Not the answer to slow internet speeds

LiFi does have a faster data transfer rate but if the Internet speed from service providers are still slow, the best aspect of this technology remains insignificant. In countries that have slower internet speeds, deploying a LiFi network would be meaningless. It will take coordination from various industries to encourage mass implementation of this technology.

There are varying answers to the question of how soon LiFi hits the mainstream market. Some industry insiders say ten, others say fifteen – some even predicted that we are able to enjoy LiFi in the next five years! No matter how many years it really is, one thing is for certain: LiFi is coming. In fact, according to Energias Market Research, the LiFi market is expected to reach over $80 Million in 2023.

As of now, LiFi cannot fully replace Wi-Fi as a connectivity source but in the future, pureLifi is developing it to be the dominant internet connectivity technology in the whole world. Recently, Astronics Corporation, a leading provider of advanced technologies for the global aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries, demonstrated how LiFi can improve an aircraft’s passenger experience and operational efficiency at the NBAA event in Orlando on October 18, 2018. This was the second demonstration of the company using LiFi and both were massive successes.

“This is a brand new technology and we are exploring ways in which it can improve the passenger, and even crew, experience on an aircraft in terms of connectivity,” said Mark Schwartz, Vice President of PDT, and an Astronics Company. ”LiFi may be a future passenger experience delighter and we are excited to explore and discuss these possibilities with it.”

LiFi Pros & Cons - LiFi.co (2024)

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of LiFi? ›

Some advantages and disadvantages of Lifi technology

As already mentioned, it would move in the range of 10 to 20 Gbps, and maybe even more (in some tests it has even reached 224 Gbps). Disadvantage: light waves are not able to pass through opaque obstacles, such as walls, so they would have range limitations.

Why LiFi is not popular? ›

Need for Special Hardware: LiFi needs special LED bulbs for transmission and photo-detector for reception. The need for special LED bulbs has made it difficult to implement LiFi on a large scale as these bulbs are not yet mass produced.

What is LiFi weakness? ›

Another perceived disadvantage of LiFi connections is that because it relies on light to transmit data, it becomes highly susceptible to outside interference. Photodiodes are able to pick up light from competing sources of light such as sunlight and other forms of illumination.

What is the problem with LiFi technology? ›

Disadvantages of Li-Fi technology include:
  • Internet cannot be used without a light source. ...
  • Because it uses visible light, and light cannot penetrate walls, the signal's range is limited by physical barriers.
  • Other sources of light may interfere with the signal.
Jul 6, 2020

Is LiFi worth it? ›

LiFi technology is one of the best options when it comes to high-speed data transmission in restricted regions. It offers lots of advantages over technologies like Wi-Fi and cellular. For example, the bandwidth is higher, and it's generally easier to use. It's also quite efficient and safe.

Is LiFi safe for humans? ›

Yes, LiFi is absolutely safe. infact safer than WiFi or any other wireless communication. LiFi since it relies on LED bulbs to transmit data, it can only be as harmful as an ordinary LED bulb can be.

Is LiFi dead? ›

While Li-Fi will probably never be a viable option to replace consumer grade Wi-Fi connections, it is not completely dead. There are various applications where Li-Fi makes a lot of sense.

Does LiFi work in sunlight? ›

LiFi can operate in daylight and even in direct sunlight conditions, as the modulated light can still be detected. LiFi relies on detecting the fast changes in light intensity and not on the absolute or slowly varying levels caused by natural disruptions in daylight or sunlight.

Does LiFi work in the dark? ›

If all power to a light is turned off then there is no LiFi. However, LiFi technology can be enabled to dim low enough that a room will appear dark and still transmit data. There is a consistent performance between 10 and 90 percent illumination.

Is LiFi can be hacked? ›

LiFi is significantly more secure than WiFi. LiFi uses light sources to transmit data. WiFi uses radio waves to transmit data. Radio waves can pass through pretty much all objects, which makes it susceptible to piggybacking and potentially the theft of data.

Can LiFi pass through walls? ›

Li-Fi signals cannot pass through walls, so in order to enjoy full connectivity, capable LED bulbs will need to be placed throughout the home. Not to mention, Li-Fi requires the light bulb to be on at all times to provide connectivity, meaning that the lights will need to be on during the day.

Is LiFi the future? ›

LiFi technology has come out as a game-changer in the world of networking and communication. The utilization of LiFi or light wifi is particularly pronounced in areas that value fast connectivity, real-time communication, and high-security communication.

Can phones use LiFi? ›

It's a LiFi access point that uses invisible infrared light to keep your smartphones, smart TVs, and other home devices online. As the WiFi network struggles, your family can turn to LiFi@Home to stay connected. With a phone or TV connected to LiFi, you can go online without competing for WiFi bandwidth.

Which company is working on LiFi? ›

The biggest LiFi companies are Signify, PureLiFi, Oledcomm and VLNComm.

Why is LiFi cheaper than WiFi? ›

Li-Fi has a transmission rate of 224 Gbps. Additional benefits of Li-Fi are its cost and energy efficiency. LED bulbs are efficient in themselves and, unlike Wi-Fi, Li-Fi wireless communications do not require modems, routers, antennas, amplifiers, or signal repeaters.

Is LiFi good for the environment? ›

Unlike WiFi, LiFi operates in the visible light spectrum, meaning it produces no electromagnetic interference and poses no risk to sensitive equipment or human health. By minimizing electromagnetic pollution, LiFi contributes to a cleaner and safer environment.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of visible light? ›

In conclusion, visible light has many advantages, including visibility, energy efficiency, health benefits, and safety. However, it also has some limitations and potential drawbacks, such as limited range, interference, sensitivity to environmental factors, and the risk of eye damage from bright or intense light.

Will LiFi replace WiFi in future? ›

In 2024, the market for LiFi-based products is estimated to be worth USD 1.72 billion with a CAGR of around 63% for the forecast period of 2024-2029. LiFi is projected to become an alternative to WiFi, replacing traditional internet networks and offering high-speed internet access for industries and households.

Why WiFi is better than LiFi? ›

LiFi technology has a shorter range than WiFi and cannot penetrate through walls, limiting its coverage area. Light fidelity technology relies on light waves to transmit data, which can be easily blocked by physical obstacles or ambient light sources, leading to interference issues.

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