Will Li-Fi ease the pressure on networking bandwidth?
1 min read
A new research centre at the University of Edinburgh is to pursue the development of light based networking, or Li-Fi, in a move to avert what is believed to be an impending capacity crunch.
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Demand for wireless internet access from smartphone users is in danger of overloading the amount that can currently be supplied by Wi-Fi, say the researchers, who add that Li-Fi has no such limitations and could provide a solution. Using light to deliver wireless internet will also allow connectivity in environments that do not currently support Wi-Fi, such as aircraft cabins and hospitals.
The Li-Fi R&D Centre will encourage collaboration between experts from the University and key research institutes around the world. A key player in the centre's work will be Harald Haas, Professor of mobile communications, also known as the 'father of Li-Fi'.
Prof Haas said: "This leading UK centre will accelerate the adoption of Li-Fi and emerging wireless technology through engagement with major industrial partners, to fully harness the commercial and innovative potential of Li-Fi, and establish a major new $6billion Li-Fi industry."
Researchers at the Centre are keen to identify new industrial partners and to collaborate more widely with major international electronics companies to further develop Li-Fi technology.