Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) is a technology that uses light to send data wirelessly. Instead of using radio waves like Wi-Fi, OWC relies on visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light to transmit information between devices.
OWC works by converting data into light signals, which are then sent through the air. These signals are transmitted to a receiver, which decodes the light back into data. This process happens very quickly, allowing for fast communication.
OWC is unique because it uses light instead of radio frequencies. This makes it faster, more secure, and free from interference caused by other wireless devices. It’s also a great option where radio frequencies are limited or overcrowded.
Optical wireless communication, including LiFi technology, offers the speed of optical fiber with the flexibility of wireless. It can deliver data at speeds of over 10 Gbps, which is much faster than any radio frequency (RF) technology or fixed wireless systems.
Another big advantage is that optical wireless doesn’t require expensive spectrum licenses or special permissions, saving both time and money. The system is easier and quicker to set up compared to traditional fiber optic cables, thanks to its flexible beam design, which can adapt to different needs.
– High Speed: Optical Wireless Communication can deliver extremely fast data rates.
– Security: Light doesn’t travel through walls, making it harder to intercept.
– No Interference: Since it doesn’t use radio waves, it avoids interference from other devices.
– Eco-Friendly: Visible light communication (a type of OWC) can work with energy-efficient LED lighting.
OWC is used in various fields, including:
– High-speed internet in remote areas.
– Hospitals and airplanes, where radio waves can cause problems.
– Space communication between satellites.
– Secure military and government facilities.
Yes, most Optical Wireless Communication systems need a direct line of sight between the transmitter (light source) and receiver. Obstructions like walls or heavy fog can disrupt the signal.
Weather can affect certain OWC systems, especially those using lasers for long distances. For example, rain or fog may weaken the signal. However, newer technologies are improving reliability under such conditions.
Optical Wireless Communication requires:
– Transmitter: A device like an LED or laser that emits light.
– Receiver: A photodetector to capture the light signals.
– Modulation tools: To encode and decode the data.
The range depends on the type of system. For example:
Visible Light Communication (VLC): Short distances, like inside a room.
Free-Space Optical Communication (FSO): Can cover several kilometers outdoors.
Flying birds might temporarily block a single light beam, causing brief interruptions. However, the system quickly resumes data transmission automatically. Newer optical wireless communication models use multiple light beams to handle such obstructions, ensuring better reliability and fewer disruptions.
Yes, OWC is safe. Visible light and infrared systems use non-harmful frequencies, and the technology is designed to prevent exposure to high-intensity beams.
Yes, OWC often complements technologies like Wi-Fi. For example, VLC can be used indoors for secure and fast communication, while Wi-Fi handles broader coverage.
Optical Wireless Communication is much faster than traditional Wi-Fi. Some systems can transmit data at speeds up to several gigabits per second.
The future of OWC looks promising with advancements like Li-Fi (Light Fidelity), which uses LED lights to provide high-speed internet in homes and offices. Researchers are also exploring its potential in smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and interplanetary communication.
Industries like aerospace, healthcare, telecommunications, and defense are at the forefront of using OWC for secure, fast, and reliable communication.
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(context: less panic, lesser damage)
Disasters such as earthquakes and floods can leave anyone with panic. The common people may not know what to do during such disasters. Having LiFi installed in the area ensures that people trapped are not panicking and have data access to have emergency contacts.
Females usually don’t travel at night because of safety reasons. LiFi ensures two things:
This ensures that females feel safe in the areas thereby allowing them to travel or walk safely at the night time.
The optical wireless network is a crucial component to provide new learning experiences by connecting students and teachers to smart technology, enabling learning applications on any mobile device. Li-Fi can also provide seamless network connectivity and security throughout the whole school and/ or colleges. Some schools have even started trialling Li-Fi technology in classrooms. It ensures seamless connectivity between the teachers and the students so that the maximum utilisation of the classes is done without wasting time or data.
Workplace can be connected through OWC which can utilise the existing infrastructure without extra costs for the installation of technology. It also ensures that the connectivity is seamless and has a great speed with no downtime.
Problem with remote areas is that we don’t have the means to include them in the mainstream land. Having LiFi ensures that the remote areas such as hilly areas or the areas with high humidity or those that are far off are connected to the mainstream because of the ease of installation and low costs.
Because of the non-interference of Li-Fi with radiofrequency devices, Li-Fi can be safely used in many hospital applications. For example, in corridors, waiting rooms, patient rooms and operating theatres, Li-Fi technology will allow a light communication network, which will remove electromagnetic interference issues from smartphones and the use of Wi-Fi in hospitals. Li-Fi can be used for real-time monitoring and report of patient movement and vital signs without the need for wires.
According to a report, 82% of consumers prefer to watch live videos from a brand than posts, 80% of brand audience prefer to watch live video from a brand rather than read a blog and live videos are watched three times longer than videos that are not live anymore. Because of the rapid rates Li-Fi can reach, it can be made available in big shopping malls, sports stadiums, street lights, aeroplanes, trains including underground, train stations, airports and hence. This allows any user to consume rich content media like videos as well as live streaming from their smartphones or other mobile devices nearly anywhere they are like in stadiums, trains and planes provided they are exposed to Li-Fi enabled LEDs.
In hospital pharmacies and specifically in aseptic manufacturing sites, Li-Fi could be used by pharmacists for receiving and screening electronically approved prescriptions directly in the unit. Li-Fi can be used for real-time tracking of prescribed aseptic drugs like cytotoxic drugs, Parenteral drugs and centralised intravenous additive services (CIVAS) in the unit and nurses and other healthcare professionals from the ward can check the status without the need of calling or going directly to the aseptic unit.