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[Source]([http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-34942685] "Permalink to 'Li-fi
100 times faster than wi-fi'")

# 'Li-fi 100 times faster than wi-fi'

![Lightbulbs][1]Image copyright Thinkstock Image caption Light bulbs could offer
a new way of delivering data

A new method of delivering data, which uses the visible spectrum rather than
radio waves, has been tested in a working office.

Li-fi can deliver internet access 100 times faster than traditional wi-fi,
offering speeds of up to 1Gbps (gigabit per second).

It requires a light source, such as a standard LED bulb, an internet connection
and a photo detector.

It was tested this week by Estonian start-up Velmenni, in Tallinn.

Velmenni used a li-fi-enabled light bulb to transmit data at speeds of 1Gbps.
Laboratory tests have shown theoretical speeds of up to 224Gbps.

It was tested in an office, to allow workers to access the internet and in an
industrial space, where it provided a smart lighting solution.

[Speaking to the International Business Times,][2] chief executive Deepak
Solanki said that the technology could reach consumers "within three to four
years".

The term li-fi was first coined by Prof Harald Haas from Edinburgh University,
who demonstrated the technology at a Ted (Technology, Entertainment and Design)
conference in 2011.

His talk, which has now been watched nearly two million times, showed an LED
lamp streaming video.

Prof Haas described a future when billions of light bulbs could become wireless
hotspots.

One of the big advantages of li-fi is the fact that, unlike wi-fi, it does not
interfere with other radio signals, so could be utilised on aircraft and in
other places where interference is an issue.

While the spectrum for radio waves is in short supply, the visible light
spectrum is 10,000 times larger, meaning it is unlikely to run out any time
soon.

But the technology also has its drawbacks - most notably the fact that it cannot
be deployed outdoors in direct sunlight, because that would interfere with its
signal.

Neither can the technology travel through walls so initial use is likely to be
limited to places where it can be used to supplement wi-fi networks, such as in
congested urban areas or places where wi-fi is not safe, such as hospitals.

[1]: [http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/320/cpsprodpb/C301/production/_86912994_lig
htbulb.gif]
[2]: [http://www.ibtimes.com/what-li-fi-meet-revolutionary-wireless-
technology-100-times-faster-wi-fi-2199883]