Light fidelity, also known as LiFi, is an emerging wireless communication technology that utilizes visible light and LEDs to transmit data. With data demands growing exponentially, LiFi has the potential to complement existing wireless technologies like WiFi and 5G by providing faster speeds, heightened security, and reduced interference.
A handful of innovative companies are leading research and development in the LiFi space. By creating new products, establishing pilot projects, and driving adoption, these LiFi pioneers aim to transform connectivity as we know it. This article will highlight 5 of the top li-fi innovators that are advancing this next-generation wireless standard.
Oledcomm
Headquartered in France, Oledcomm is a pioneering company that conducts LiFi R&D. Founded in 2015, their primary focus has been designing advanced LiFi systems and core technology. This includes the mechanics of how LEDs can reliably transmit high-speed wireless connectivity.
Oledcomm holds many foundational patents related to LiFi, especially focused on bidirectional transmission between LED emitters and photodiode receivers. Their innovations have enhanced the speeds, efficiency and capabilities of earlier LiFi proofs of concept.
In addition to their research, Oledcomm creates LiFi solutions spanning components, systems and software. Their “LiFiLite” range includes transceivers, integrated circuits and evaluation kits. The company also works on customizing LiFi systems for clients based on parameters like bandwidth needs.
While companies like PureLiFi and Signify focus more on commercialization, Oledcomm has specialized in cutting-edge R&D. Their efforts have realized major improvements in LiFi performance, reliability, and flexibility. Going forward, their patents and innovations will enable next-gen LiFi adoption.
PureLiFi
PureLiFi, based in the UK, is a leading innovator in the LiFi space focused on driving commercialization. The company was founded in 2012 by Professor Harald Haas, who initially conceived of and coined the term “LiFi.” PureLiFi offers a range of LiFi-enabled solutions spanning hardware, software and applications.
On the hardware side, PureLiFi works with LED light partners to develop LiFi-enabled luminaires, or LiFi lighting units. Their focus is on creating interoperability so these lights can connect with any device that has PureLiFi’s USB dongle or other enabled hardware installed. The company also provides access points and other infrastructure to connect the LED lights and transmit the data.
Signify
Signify, previously known as Philips Lighting, is a Netherlands-based lighting company that has emerged as an early mover in the LiFi space. Given their long history of working with lighting solutions, they are well positioned to integrate LiFi into LED fixtures and luminaires.
On the product side, Signify has focused on LiFi-enabling their existing Philips LED lights. They have worked on fixtures like ceiling lights, downlights, spotlights and more that can transmit a LiFi signal alongside illumination. These lights can connect directly to a laptop, phone or IoT device equipped with a USB LiFi dongle.
LVX Global
LVX Global is a technology company based in the United States at the forefront of LiFi product development. Founded in 2018, their goal is to drive large-scale adoption of LiFi and make it a ubiquitous connectivity solution.
A core part of their work has focused on chipset design and manufacturing. LVX has created optimized chipsets capable of faster data rates and low latency LiFi transmission. These help maximize the performance of LiFi hardware solutions.
Velmenni
Velmenni, headquartered in Estonia, provides Internet service providers and telecom companies with carrier-grade LiFi solutions. Their focus is on empowering communication service providers to integrate LiFi capabilities into their existing connectivity offerings.
On the product side, Velmenni has developed LiFi driver software that can be installed on laptops or smartphones to connect them to LiFi networks. They also offer USB dongles as well as LiFi integration modules that can provide connectivity for IoT devices.
Conclusion
LiFi remains an emerging wireless standard, but these innovative companies are leading the charge in turning its potential into reality. Through extensive R&D and pioneering new products, they are overcoming earlier technical limitations of LiFi. Their work enables faster speeds, lower latency, cheaper integration and increased reliability. In the coming years, LiFi could profoundly expand connectivity capabilities in a number of settings. The technology like Oledcomm LiFi Solutions can provide lightning-fast transmission with total security where traditional wireless solutions face interference or bandwidth constraints.