Capacity: Compared with the RF spectrum which is regulated to mitigate interference and ensure the efficient usage of its narrow bandwidth (∼ 3 kHz to ∼ 300 GHz), the visible light spectrum provides 10,000 times more license-free bandwidth. The exponentially increasing need for bandwidth and the ever-shrinking WiFi spectrum make LiFi, with a potential bandwidth of ∼ 400 THz to ∼ 780 THz, a viable solution to complement short-range wireless transmission and alleviate the RF spectrum congestion.
Speed: LiFi technology can transmit data at a peek speed of more than 1 Gbps. Laboratory tests have shown data rates of more than 224 Gbps are possible, meaning LiFi outperforms all current RF technologies (Wi-Fi of 150 Mbps, Bluetooth of 3 Mbps, and IrDA of 4 Mbps).
Availability: Every light can be transformed into an optical access point. Ubiquitous installations of LED lights mean LiFi can be provided virtually everywhere. Moreover, LiFi produces no electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can be installed in environments where radio waves can impair normal operation of electrical instruments and equipment. These environments include airplanes, medical imaging rooms, mines, chemical and power plants. LiFi can even be used for undersea explorations because light waves will transmit through water.
Security: Radio waves can penetrate through walls and the data signals can be easily intercepted by a hacker outside a building. This makes RF communication vulnerable to eavesdropping. Data stream through LiFi remains confined to lit areas, which can be interpreted as built-in security for LiFi. Along with data encryption, LiFi offers an exceptional security and privacy in data streaming, thus putting an end to the threat of cyber intruders!
Simplicity: Non-coherent mode of communication enables LiFi to be deployed with relatively simple and low cost front-end components of both transmitters and receivers. On the other side, WiFi communication requires frequency mixers, filters, and sophisticated algorithms to correct RF impairments such as interference, distortion, phase noise and IQ imbalance.
Energy Efficiency: LiFi transmits data through light waves produced by LEDs. High efficacy LED lighting draws minimal power and offers up to 80% energy savings over conventional lighting technologies.
