A comparative study of Li-Fi technology applications to Wi-fi Technology (Security, Strength

and Privacy)

Aderanti T.A*, Adegbesan A.S1, Oyetunde B.S2 , Awodein O.D3

Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology

Gateway (I.C.T.) Polytechnic Saapade

E-mail: rantitaiwo@yahoo.com +2348026584348

Drwalex2002@yahoo.com

Bolux001@gmail.com

Abstract

Li-Fi (Light fidelity) be established as a light based wireless communication technology, it uses
light to transmit information other than radio waves. Li-fi is a more recent discovery in the
spectrum of Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, of which Wi-Fi is also under this
broad spectrum. It provides a more robust and secured approach to the applications of wireless
communications. This paper seeks to study and compare the differences between Li-fi and Wi-Fi
and state the areas where Li-fi technology stands at advantage over Wi-Fi.

Keywords: Light fidelity (Li-Fi), visible light communication (VLC), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), light
emitting diode (LED), wireless communication, network security
Introduction

Technology, as it implies, is the practical application of knowledge especially in a

particular area. As the world grows, it is of no doubt that technology improves at almost the
same pace. There are constant improvement on existing technologies, and innovations of new
ones. Li-Fi technology falls under the umbrella of improvement on existing researches on Visible
Light Communication (VLC) which brought about wireless communication. Wireless
Communication network is another name called Wi-Fi was first developed as a wireless
alternative to cable that connected computers to local communication networks in homes, offices
and other locations. Subsequently, this technology provided solutions and solve the problems of
internet connection for areas with poor reception. Today, nearly all devices such as computers,
phones, laptops e.t.c are equipped with Wi-Fi connection.

This wireless communication network (Wi-Fi) transmit information and data from various
devices (such as laptops, tablets, smart phones etc) by the use of radio waves to the internet and
also from the internet too. Wireless routers is the device for Wi-Fi that operates at frequencies
and outputs functions that are similar to those of other communication equipment in the
household. They constitute a local source of non-ionizing radiation whose intensity reduces
rapidly and gradually with increasing distance from the device or source.

Fig.1.0 Visible light communication using LED structures.

Source: (Ucl.uk)
BACKGROUND STUDY OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

Wireless Communication network is another name called Wi-Fi was first developed as a wireless
alternative to cable that connected computers to local communication networks in homes, offices
and other locations. Subsequently, this technology provided solutions and solve the problems of
internet connection for areas with poor reception. Today, nearly all devices such as computers,
phones, laptops e.t.c are equipped with Wi-Fi connection. This wireless communication network
(Wi-Fi) transmit information and data from various devices (such as laptops, tablets, smart
phones etc) by the use of radio waves to the internet and also from the internet too.

Wireless communication Market Scenario

The wireless data communication market is projected to grow from USD 794.6 million in 2018
to USD 1867.8 million by 2023, at a CAGR of 18.6% The growing penetration of cellular
systems and increasing demand of wireless data services for exchanging information across the
globe are the major factors driving the global wireless data communication market.

The Global Wireless Data Communication Market, 2018—2023(USD Billion)

Fig.2,0 Wireless Data Communication Market Research Report, By Component (Hardware,

Services), Type (Wireless Local Area Network, Satellite, LPWAN), Technology (Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, Zigbee, 2G/3G, NFC), Vertical (Consumer Electronics)

(Market research future, 2020)

The advent of advance cell phones, tablets and high-tech hand-held devices connected to
wireless network is considered as game changer in the growth the wireless data communication
market. The main aim to deploy these digital devices helps to improve interfaces in real-time
web surfing and applications have significantly increased data usage over wireless networks.

Furthermore, wide-spread use of unified communication platforms by various small & large
organizations to save time and recede distance barriers through seamless mobile connectivity
helps to create avenues for the wireless communication market. However, technical issues
related to connectivity and network may pose a challenge to the wireless communication market
growth. In addition, lack of infrastructure in rural areas is also expected to negatively impact
market growth.

HISTORY OF LI-FI

Visible Light Communication (VLC) is an umbrella term that consist of all

communication technologies using visible light. Li-Fi makes use of the basic principles of VLC
and still uses a two way network protocol to provide high speed network connectivity. These
researches were conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Edinburgh which was
headed by Professor Herald Haas. ( Harald haas, 2017)

Professor Harald Haas and his team of researchers began their research on VLC
technology as early as 2006. Much of their research was all about the use of light as a medium
for two-way transmission of data which opens up the way for Li-Fi technology although, Li-Fi
wasn’t invented that time.

The term Li-Fi was introduced to the world in 2011 during his TED (Technology
Entertainment Design) talk. He spoke on the title “Wireless Data from every light bulb”. Li-Fi
Fidelity was named at the talk which he backed it up with “a play on the term wireless Fidelity
(Wi-Fi). In order to demonstrate what the new technology is all about Prof. Haas provided a live
act by streaming a large video from just a standard LED lamp

Then Prof. Haas started a company that would market Li-Fi technology in 2012. The
company which was named pure VLC was later renamed pure Li-Fi and those that set to
commercialized it was an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and also push up for their
integration with existing LED – Lighting System. Through the years, a variety of Li-Fi products
designed for easy integration of Li-Fi into devices that are on ground was product by pure Li-Fi.

In 2011, some four industry/company leaders from four different countries established a
group that will promote and develop different Optical Wireless Communication (OWC)
technologies. This group known as the Li-Fi consortium was founded by these names Fraunhofer
IPMS, Germany, IBSEN telecom, Norway, Supreme Architecture, Israel/USA and Trilumina
USA. The Li-Fi consortium is not for Li-Fi alone as it pushes for the development and
enhancement of all forms of optical wireless communication which include Li-Fi and fibre
optics. There were so much advancements in Li-Fi technology over the years, in August 2013,
Li-Fi systems were able to demonstrate data rates of over 1.6Gbits/s over a single colour LED
(history of lifi, 2018)

VISIBLE LIGHT COMMUNICATION (VLC)

Visible Light Communication (VLC) systems employ visible light for communication that
occupy a spectrum from 380nm to 750nm corresponding to a frequency spectrum of 430THz to
790THz as shown in figure below

fig.3.0. (visible light communication wikipedia, 2017)

 because of the availability of the large bandwidth problem in RF communication. The
VLC receiver only receives signals as if they stay together in the same room as the transmitter,
the receivers outside the room of the VLC source will not be able to receive signals, it has little
patience to security issues that occurs in the RF communication systems. Visible light source can
be used for both communication and illumination thereby saving the extra power that is needed if
(Radio Frequency) communication VLC has some features which are non-licensed channels,
high bandwidth and lower power consumption

Some places or devices that allows the use of VLC include Li-Fi, vehicle to vehicle
communication, robots in hospitals, underivater communication and information displayed on
signboards. VLC can be used most times between vehicular communication for lane change
warning, pre-cash sensing and traffic signal violation. VLC are also used in areas that are
sensitive to electromagnetic waves such as aircrafts and hospitals were the radio signals there
interfere with the waves of other machines. It provides both information and lightning using
VLC technique. There are a lot problems that occurs during the production of the visible light
communication, they are interference with ambient light sources, interference between VLC
devices and integration of the VLC with existing technologies like Wi-Fi. To overcome the
challenges, standardizing VLC is highly necessary.

A VLC receiver receives high bandwidth information. It consists of an amplification

circuit, optical filter and optical concentrator. In this work, a research and survey of applications,
architecture standards and research challenges is presented due to the potential of the VLC to be
used for communication in the future
 Fig 4.0 Layered Architecture of VLC (Elsevier B.V., 2016)

The two parts of the VLC system are the transmitter and the receiver which generally
consists of three layers which is drawn in the figure 5.0.above. They are the physical layer, MAC
layer and application layer. The MAC layer is the Medium Access Control that provides mobility
support, colour function support and also provide a reliable link between other peer medium
access control groups

The physical layer also provides physical specification of the device and the relationship
between the device and the medium. This consist of the input bits and output bits. From the input
bits to the channel encoder, line encoder, modulation LED then to the optical channel, then to the
photo diode, demodulation, line decoder, channel decoder and to the output Bits.

fig 5.0 VLC FREQUENCY SPECTRUM (visible light communication wikipedia, 2017)
 According to Deloitte Consulting LLP in 2012, more than 60% of mobile shoppers used
smart phones while in the store and 85% of consumers were using retailers’ native apps or
websites during shopping trips (smart energy technology, 2017). Some persons came to provide
a communication point with shoppers using mobile phones loaded with an app with VLC the
store’s personnel communicate with the shoppers in two ways

Firstly, VLC uses fluorescent lamps to transmit signals in 10kilobytes/sec over a short
distance. Some electronic devices that contains a photodiode receive signals from light source,
but in some cases, a phone camera or digital camera will be enough. The image sensor used in
these devices are in array of photo-diode. Such a sensor may provide either multi-channel or an
awareness of multiple light sources.

Secondly, it consists of a transmitter, a channel and receiver. A configuration of an

indoor VLC system is shown below

fig 6.0 VLC layers of transmission (research gate, 2015)

FEATURES OF LI-FI

Li-Fi features includes benefits to the capacity, energy efficiency safety and security of a
wireless system with a number of key benefits over WiFi but it is appropriately a complementary
technology.

 Bandwidth: The visible light spectrum is plentiful (10,000 more than RF spectrum)
unlicensed and free to use
 Data Density: Li-Fi can achieve about 1000 times the data density of Wi-Fi because
visible light can be well contained in a tight illumination areas whereas RF tends to
spread out and cause interference
 High Speed: Very high data rates can be achieved due to low interference, high device
bandwidths and high intensity optical output
 Planning: Capacity planning is simple since there tends to be illumination infrastructure
where people wish to communicate and good signal strength can be literally seen
 Low Cost: Requires fewer components than radio technology
 Energy: LED illumination is already efficient and the data transmission requires
negligible additional power
 Environment: RF transmission and propagation in water is extremely difficult but Li-Fi
works well in this environment
 Capacity: 10,000 times more spectrum than RW. It has light bones present in it, so
infrastructure is available already and installed
 Efficiency: High efficient because LED consume less energy
 Availability: Light is present everywhere therefore data is present where light is present
 Security: Light waves do not penetrate through walls, hence they cannot be intercepted
 LI-FI AND WI-FI DIFFERENCES

S/N LI-FI WI-FI

I. Li-Fi transmits data using light with the help of Wi-Fi transmits data using radio
LED bulbs the help of Wi-Fi router waves with

II. Li-Fi do not have any interference issues similar Wi-Fi will have interference issues
to radio frequency waves from nearby access points (routers)
III. Li-Fi present IrDA compliant devices Wi-Fi present WLAN
80211/a/blg/n/ac/ad Standard
compliant devices

IV. It is used in airlines, undersea, explorations, Used for internet browsing in the
operation theatres in the hospitals, office and help of Wi-Fi kiosks or Wi-Fi
home premises for data transfer and internet hotspots
browsing
V. Interference in Wi-Fi is less and can pass Interference is more and cannot
through salty sea water works in densy region pass through

sea water, works in less densy

region
VI. Li-Fi has a data transfer speeds of Wi-Fi has a data transfer speed
WLAN-IIn
About 1Gbps (Gigabyte per seconds)
offers 150 mbps (megabyte per
sec, about 1-2 Gbps can be
achieved using Wi Gig/Giga-IR
VII. Li-Fi has a frequency of operation Its frequency of operation is
2.4GHz, 4.9GHz
VIII. to thousand times frequency spectrum of the
and 5GHz

radio
IX. It works in a high dense environment Works in less dense environment
due to

interference related issues

X. covers a distance of about 10 metres About 32 metres (WLAN
802.11b/11g)

very based on transmit power and

antenna type
XI. Lamp driver, LED bulb (lamp) and It requires routers to be installed,
in which
Photo detector will make up complete
subscribers devices (laptops,
Li-Fi system
PDA, desktops)

are referred as stations

Fig.7.0 Comparison of the data rate achieved by Wi-Fi tier and LiFi tier. (O., 2018)
PROSPECTS OF LI-FI APPLICATIONS ON THE ECONOMY

(Light Fidelity) Li-Fi Market size exceeded USD 70 million in 2019 and is poised to
grow at a CAGR of over 50% between 2020 and 2030. Rapidly increasing smartphone
penetration coupled with growing consumption of data will drive the market growth.
Increasing utilization of connected devices in business establishments has led to a
growing demand for indoor distributed networks. Indoor wireless connectivity through
Li-Fi enables business users to make calls, send & receive email, and access the internet
at high speeds. The ability of Li-Fi to transfer high volumes of data without any
interference from existing radio frequencies will augment the market demand.
The growing trend of implementing Li-Fi technology in applications such as healthcare
and security is providing a positive outlook for the market. It is encouraging government
authorities to invest in R&D initiatives to spur the industry growth.

Fig. 8.0. Light fidelity (Li-Fi) market revenue worldwide in 2017 and 2028 (Dea, 2020)
  Li-Fi and Live Streaming

According to a report, 82% of consumers prefer to watch live video from a brand than
posts, 80% of brand audience also prefer to watch live video from a brand than read a blog and
live videos are watched three times longer than videos that are not live anymore. (livestream
blog, 2019). Now, because of the high speed rates of Li-Fi, it can be made available in Nigerian
shopping malls, sports stadium, street light, airplanes, trains including underground train stations,
airports e.t.c. this enables and allows any user to access rich content media like videos as well as
live streaming from their smart phones or other devices anywhere they are provided they are
exposed to Li-Fi enabled LEDs. Li-Fi live streaming can also be beneficial for events like
conferences, seminars, meetings, team building events, trade shows, business dinners, press
conference, networking events, opening ceremonies, theme parties, award ceremonies, wedding,
product launches, funerals, birthday parties, concerts e.t.c

Fig. 9.0 Chart showing Li-fi Market projection for 2025 (Preeti Wadhwani, 2020)
Li-Fi Market Report Coverage

One of the central point hampering the Li-Fi market development is the high usage cost. The
upgraded execution of these frameworks is accomplished through high-power LEDs,
photodetectors, and microcontrollers. The significant expense of these segments amounts to the
general expense of Li-Fi frameworks, affecting their interest. Additionally, the perplexing design
of these frameworks requires the administrations from prepared experts for establishment and
support, in this way testing the business development. Be that as it may, market players are
zeroing in on decreasing the creation cost of Li-Fi parts to energize its commercialization. The
outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic in January 2020 has prompted a stoppage in the development
of market, representing a few industry challenges. Interruptions in flexibly chain and limitations
on development have affected worldwide exchange. This has caused an aggravation in
assembling and business tasks of industry players, hampering the market income. Besides,
expanding shopper tendency towards buying basic items is relied upon to limit the selection of
new advancements, for example, Li-Fi, affecting the market size in 2020.
Fig.10.Li-fi Market Coverage (Preeti Wadhwani, 2020)

Li-Fi technology in Hospitals

Because Li-Fi doesn’t interfere with radio frequency devices, so it can be safely used in
many hospitals, for examples in corridors, waiting rooms, patient rooms and operating theatres.
This Li-Fi technology will remove the electromagnetic interference issues from smart phones
and the use of Wi-Fi in hospitals by allowing a light communication network. It can also be used
for real time monitoring and report of patient movement and vital signs without the need of wires
around their body. Through Li-Fi, the access of records and sharing of patient records will be
done quickly, conveniently and in a very secure manner. Li-Fi can also be used by patients to
check their status of the prescriptions of drug on their smartphones.

Li-Fi in the Nigerian workplaces

Li-Fi also secure wireless connectivity in workplaces as well as the networking

capability, people will be able to take a Skype video or Whatsapp video conference call and
more from one room to another without that conference call and move from one room to another
without that conference call being interrupted. Workers and visitors will have a constant internet
speed connection from the Li-Fi networks in the workspace.

The overhead lighting in an office can also provide access to the incoming (guest network
while desk lamps can provide access to specific parts of a corporate network with access rights
assigned on a desk-by-desk basis.

• Li-Fi in Schools

Li-Fi also provides seamless network connectivity and security in schools connecting the
students and teachers to smart technology. A school called The Hegel-Gymnasium in Stuttgart is
currently testing Li-Fi in classrooms to teach a broad range of subjects from everything to
information technology (LED's magazine, 2017)

In Fraunhofer’s prototype Li-Fi installation at the Stuttgart school light waves from LED
wirelessly carry data to bones that are wired via Ethernet to laptops (UC SANTA BARBARA,
2017) . Li-Fi in schools especially in Nigerian school helps high connectivity to internet thereby
reducing stress of writing on the board in which there are gadgets available to access the
internets

Conclusion

Apparently Li-Fi technology is probably going to be a potential furthermore, a suitable option in

contrast to Wi-Fi technology. Li-Fi appears to give boundless access to less expensive, quicker,
more secure and practical decision to radio based remote. Despite the fact that, Wi-Fi keeps on
being the predominant choice. Li-Fi is being looked as a promising innovation for giving goals to
numerous challenges overlooked by Wi-Fi. Li-Fi is a suitable and potential substitute to existing
technologies for its augmentation various stages for remote use.
Except if the range can improve, Wi-Fi is capable to stay aware of the turn of events, the
technological advancements presents Li-Fi to be its substitution. Li-Fi with more prominent in
speed, will give the clients better security efforts and use light as the essential source for
information transmission where Wi-Fi and different technologies fails to achieve. The future
ramifications of Li-Fi incorporate its application in various fields, for example, businesses,
medication, training and different areas requiring further investigation.

References

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UC SANTA BARBARA. (2017, dec 15). Retrieved from www.engineering.ucsb.edu:

http://engineering.ucsb.edu

visible light communication wikipedia. (2017, may 2). Retrieved from www.sciencedirect.com:
http:www.sciencedirect.com

history of lifi. (2018, november 6). Retrieved from www.lifi.com: http://lifi.co/project-sitemap.com

livestream blog. (2019, april 16). Retrieved from www.livestream.com: http://livestream.com

Dea, S. (2020). Light fidelty (Li-Fi) market size by application worldwide in 2017 and 2028. S.O Dea.
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