When it comes to Internet connection remotely, everyone has 4G, 5G or wifi in mind. But do you know the lifi (Where Faithfulness to the light)? This technology allows connect via light. The company Lucibel, comprising 70 employees, designs luminaires for this purpose in its factory in Barentin (Seine-Maritime). This group has just announced the launch of a third generation of its lifi solution in September 2021. It provides a high-speed connection of 100 mbps up and down.

“Lifi is an access point in the same way as wifi, except that its particularity is to use light instead of radio waves, explains Eric Deblonde”, in charge of the deployment of this technology at Lucibel. A luminaire equipped with LEDs, connected to a switch router, transmits information via a modulation of light, “a bit like the walrus”, imperceptible to the naked eye. This code is received by a sensor connected to the computer before being interpreted by the machine.

The advantages of light

This connection coming from the ceiling requires to “rethink spaces differently”, since it is necessary to stay under the light to receive the data. On the other hand, it offers more security compared to a wave propagating over a long distance, which can be intercepted.

This alternative to waves also allows a stable connection while not being subjected to disturbances. “Today, there is a densification of connectivity in spaces: everyone has a tablet, terminals, connected objects,” indicates Eric Deblonde. There is saturation of the radio bands, the appearance of disruptors and a deterioration in service levels. “

Finally, the lifi makes it possible to connect wherever light can be installed: in offices of course, but also in elevators, transport, places of transit, undergrounds … Therefore, we understand why this technology is of interest. as much the tertiary sector as the communities, the army or the industry. Lucibel has, for example, clients such as Habitat 76, the City of Evreux and one “approach” with companies such as Naval Group.

Integrated into smartphones in 2022?

This technology is also tending to democratize for individuals with “plug and play” kits, allowing you to connect your box with a transmitter and two receivers. “I have end customers who equip their entire house. Lifi offers a real solution when basic connectivity is not possible, 4G or wifi cannot pass through walls. Wood or metal are prohibited on airwaves. “

This solution still has a fairly significant impact, estimated at € 100 per square meter and requires “a dongle”, ie an electronic device plugging into the USB port for reception.

A new long-awaited global standard (802.11bb) could be a game-changer in the second half of 2022. Written by the Institute of Electric and Electronics Engineers Standards Association, it should allow the native integration of a lifi standard directly into smartphones , PCs and tablets, taking this emerging technology to a new level.

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