Chinese researchers send wireless Internet signals to computers using 1-W LED bulb

Chinese researchers have successfully connected four computers to the web via wireless Internet signals sent by a one-watt LED lightbulb.

The technology, referred to as “Li-Fi” (short for “Light-Fidelity”), operates under the principle that light can be used as a signal carrier instead of traditional radio frequencies. Chi Nan, an IT professor at Shanghai's Fudan University who led this study, explains that a lightbulb embedded with a microchip can produce data rates as fast as 150 Mbits/s, a speed significantly higher than the average broadband connection in China.

Furthermore, current wireless signal transmission equipment is expensive and low in efficiency, so a solution like Li-Fi might be a welcome alternative.

“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,” Chi noted in the article announcing the breakthrough. She went on to note the energy utilization rate was only 5%.

Further on in the piece, Chi noted that there was still a long path before the technology would see actual usage. “If the light is blocked, then the signal will be cut off,” she said, adding that some of the key technologies involved in Li-Fi, namely light communication controls, microchip design, and manufacturing, are all still in the experimental phase and need more fine tuning.

Immediately speaking, 10 sample Li-Fi kits will be on display at the China International Industry Fair, set to kick off November 5 in Shanghai.

Story via: xinhuanet.com