Li-Fi System Prototype (A Concept)
Li-Fi is... to simply put it: Wi-Fi but everything is transmitted by light.
Year
Submission
2023
ISTEC (Honorable Mention)
RISE Global Challenge
Category
Computer/Technology
The Problem
Research findings on internet access in Indonesia indicate a notable increase in connectivity, with more than 64% of the population online, challenging the initial assumption that a majority lacked access. In Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), government initiatives and internet service providers are actively working to improve connectivity. However, despite these efforts, many areas, including Desa Umauta, continue to experience inadequate internet speeds of only 2-5 Mbps, insufficient for essential activities like online education.
So why do we use light then??
Because light is faster!!
The traditional Wi-Fi uses radio waves to transmit information. Light waves occupy a frequency range that allows for a much higher bandwidth compared to radio waves (Wi-Fi), enabling the transmission of larger amounts of data at faster speeds.
Furthermore, light waves are non-ionizing, meaning they do not carry enough energy to cause harmful effects to human health, making them a safe alternative for wireless communication.
But how would it work? SIMPLE!
Li-Fi works by transmitting data from a light source, such as an LED bulb, to a receiving device like a laptop through a series of steps. First, the internet data is sent to a Li-Fi-enabled router connected to the internet. The router modulates this data into a light signal by rapidly turning the LED bulb on and off at a speed that is too fast for the human eye to notice. The flickering light is then transmitted through the air. The laptop, equipped with a photodetector or a special receiver, captures the light signal and converts it back into electrical signals. Finally, this electrical signal is decoded to retrieve the original data, allowing the laptop to access the internet. This mechanism allows for high-speed data transmission through visible light, making Li-Fi a unique alternative to traditional Wi-Fi.
The Prototype.
The impact of my project lies in its successful demonstration of developing a fully functional wireless networking system that utilizes visible light as a transmission medium. The system effectively operates with LED lights, showcasing its ability to leverage existing infrastructures and significantly reduce the need for specialized equipment, thereby mitigating the costs associated with its predecessor.
Testing.
During testing, the prototype successfully transmitted a 50-word message between devices within 20-seconds, demonstrating the feasibility of Li-Fi technology in practical applications. However, it's important to note that the modulation technique used in the prototype (on-off modulation), may not represent the fastest achievable transmission speed.
