Technology around us is constantly
improving and we constantly need to keep up with it. Sometimes that can be a
pain, but sometimes these new technologies are superior means to improve our
lives.
Most of us
should know what Wi-Fi is, as we each probably use it daily. Similar to Wi-Fi,
is something called Li-Fi, which is being developed by many organizations all
over the world. Li-Fi is a wireless communication technology that uses LED
lights to enable its incredibly fast data. University of Edinburgh’s mobile
communication professor, Harald Haas explained that the light bulbs could act
as wireless routers in a Ted Talk.
This technology could change the
workplace, as the lights above everyone’s desk could serve as a transmission
server. Some say that Li-Fi would be a good (and green) supplement to Wi-Fi,
and even think it could replace Wi-Fi altogether.
TechWorld
gives examples Li-Fi uses:
·
Military - accessible in no-service zones
·
Parenting - turning off lights means turning off
children’s access to prevent internet addiction
·
GPS - show certain access in a large workplace
such as a hospital
·
Car-to-car communication - damage reports,
warnings ahead, and collision warnings
·
Underwater communications - underwater vehicles
communicate with one another
·
Internet of things - more devices able to
connect to one another and data transferring at a high level
·
Enabled street lights: access to mobile phones =
walking home at night safer
·
Security - more secure than Wi-Fi because of a
shorter range
Of course,
what Li-Fi means in terms of communication is that there is a larger means to
communicate. Connectedness, efficiency, and speed will increase, making it
easier than ever to get messages sent. Some professional fields of work do not
have the means necessary to communicate with one another, have access to the
internet when needed, or have as fast of processing speed as they need.
An example of this is the military
as previously mentioned. Members of the military are not always in places that
have internet, Wi-Fi, or even cell phone service. Li-Fi will enable them to
communicate easily with one another, get orders from their superiors, and also
communicate with the commander-in-chief quickly. Even a small light in a tent
in the middle of nowhere will allow them to connect to Li-Fi.
Overall, Li-Fi would be a very
beneficial asset to personal and professional communication in many aspects.
