A group of scientists at China’s Fudan University have successfully trialled the possibility of using signals transmitted via LED light bulbs to access the internet rather than using Wi-Fi.
Under the new breakthrough dubbed as ‘Li-Fi’, a micro-chipped bulb can generate data speeds of about 150mbps, with one-watt LED light bulb claimed to be sufficient to offer four computers with internet connectivity.
Fudan University information technology professor Chi Nan was quoted by Xinhua News as saying, as for cell phones, millions of base stations have been established around the world to strengthen the signal but most of the energy is consumed on their cooling systems.
"The energy utilisation rate is only 5 percent," Nan said.
"Wherever there is an LED lightbulb, there is an Internet signal.
"Turn off the light and there is no signal."
Scientists are still working on development of key elements of the new technology, including light communication controls as well as microchip design and manufacturing.
Yet to be made completely available for commercial usage, LiFi is claimed to be cost-effective as well as efficient compared to the average Chinese broadband connection.
About 10 sample Li-Fi kits will be exhibited at the China International Industry Fair that will start on 05 November 2013 in Shanghai.
In 2011, Harald Haas from the University of Edinburgh in the UK coined the term Li-Fi, referring to a type of visible light communication technology which could deliver a networked, mobile, high-speed communication solution as Wi-Fi.
