manufacturers have yet to catch up with manufacturing
Li-Fi compatible drivers and to make 0-10V
dimming drivers, for example, a standard option
available to lighting designers and electrical engineers.
Regular LED drivers generally used for providing
lighting do not have the capability to create
a Li-Fi network. Li-Fi LED drivers are specially
designed to emit light at high frequencies required
for Li-Fi transmission. Similar to the computerized
devices needing a Li-Fi optic transceiver in order
for the Li-Fi technology to succeed at a mass level,
it is imperative that the lighting manufacturers
globally adopt this technology and offer the Li-Fi
driver as an option.
4. Data or ICT installers need to become familiar
to a certain extent with lighting terminology and
installations. Electricians, traditionally installing
line voltage systems such as lighting, will need
to gain an understanding of telecommunications
systems and connectivity, such as cabling into
a luminaire with Li-Fi compatible drivers. Large
contracting companies that have installers trained
in both types of installations are in the best
position to make a smoother transition toward
future Li-Fi installations.
5. Municipalities are not yet familiar with this technology
and its requirements. Some municipalities
have requirements that forbid any telecommunication
circuits to be interconnected in any way
to lighting circuits. For installers wishing to pursue
Li-Fi installations in their municipalities, it may be
important to present a comprehensive description
regarding the use of Li-Fi that highlights the
safety of the installation.
WHAT IS NEXT?
International standards body IEEE is already working
with Li-Fi technology by establishing definitions to provide
its dedicated place in the world of ICT. Like Wi-Fi,
Li-Fi is wireless and uses similar 802.11 protocols. The
objective is to extend 802.11 to include light as a medium
for wireless communications transmission. The proposed
24 I ICT TODAY
A Li-Fi transceiver is needed
as an add-on for mobile phones,
tablets, computers and other
electronic devices.
global light communications standard is IEEE 802.11bb.
Its task group, with input from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem,
is aiming to deliver an official ratified 802.11bb standard
by mid 2021.
Although Li-Fi is most akin to 802.11ad, which
is higher transmission rates at smaller distances (typically
room size), rather than the 802.11ac and 802.11ax for
LAN over distance, the standard is yet to be established.
In addition, Li-Fi technology is being used more and
more in recent seminars held by IESNA, although the
terminology is yet to be incorporated into the IESNA
official lighting handbook.
Until there are more standards that may ignite
further demand for Li-Fi, electrical engineers, telecommunication/
ICT designers, installers, and lighting designers
need to familiarize themselves with the Li-Fi technology
and the equipment required for a successful installation.
FUTURE POTENTIAL
“It is predicted that future home and building automation
will be highly dependent on the implementation of Li-Fi
technology for being secure and fast.”16 Because light
cannot penetrate through walls, for example, the signal
cannot be hacked from a remote location. According
to Research and Markets, the global Li-Fi technology
market is expected to reach $35.82 billion by 2028,
growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR)
of 71.20 percent during 2018-2028.
Potential applications and use cases include:
• On the road vehicle communication
• Remotely operated underwater vehicles
(ROVs) up to 200 meters depth