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In the early days of communication, Alexander Graham Bell is most famously known for inventing the telephone. However, he himself considered his greatest achievement to be the photophone—a device that used light instead of wires to transmit signals. Though it never made its way into everyday life, the concept of using light for communication has recently seen a revival, thanks to Professor Harald Haas from the University of Edinburgh.
Haas, who is also the co-founder and chief scientific officer of PureLiFi (formerly PureVLC), has been at the forefront of developing a groundbreaking technology called LiFi. This innovation uses visible light—specifically LED lights—to wirelessly transmit data, offering an alternative to traditional WiFi networks. With the increasing demand for faster and more secure connectivity, LiFi presents a promising solution.
Recently, PureLiFi delivered its first commercial product to a U.S. medical service provider, a high-end device priced at 5,000 euros. The company also showcased its technology in London, where it was integrated into a live media segment featuring Mayor Boris Johnson.
One of the key differences between today’s technology and Bell’s time is the widespread use of LEDs. Unlike the sunlight-dependent photophone, modern LEDs are reliable, energy-efficient, and can be controlled with precision. Their ability to flicker rapidly allows them to send data through light beams at high speeds. During a demonstration, a video was smoothly transmitted via a beam of light until someone blocked the path. Even then, the receiver was sensitive enough to detect indirect light, making the switching nearly imperceptible to the human eye.
Despite its potential, LiFi still faces challenges. It cannot penetrate walls or curtains, which limits its range. But this limitation is also seen as a benefit—since only those within the line of sight can access the network, it offers enhanced security compared to traditional WiFi. One of PureLiFi’s early clients was particularly drawn to this feature, seeing it as a safer alternative.
Professor Haas believes that the transition to LiFi won’t require a complete overhaul of existing infrastructure. Many LED bulbs already in use can be adapted with minimal modifications, making the technology more accessible and cost-effective.
Beyond security, LiFi also promises more efficient use of bandwidth in environments like offices and schools. Each light source can provide full-speed internet to the nearest user, potentially revolutionizing how we connect in public spaces. A pilot project is currently underway at Bexley Business School to test this concept.
As interest in LiFi grows, several companies are exploring its potential. Cisco Japan has developed an app that uses light to transfer data between smartphones, while French firm Oledcomm recently demonstrated a streetlight system powered by LiFi technology.
Market research firm MarketsandMarkets predicts that visible light communication will become a major complement to WiFi and mobile networks, with global sales expected to rise sharply—from $96 million in 2012 to $6.14 billion by 2018.
According to Haas, the growing strain on current wireless networks is driving the need for alternatives. With the surge in video streaming and other bandwidth-heavy services, traditional radio-based systems are struggling to keep up. Cisco estimates that global mobile data traffic will reach 11.2 exabytes per month by 2017—more than 13 times the level in 2012.
PureLiFi plans to continue focusing on niche markets to refine its technology until the next wave of capacity issues hits. “The time will be the best time for LiFi,†Haas said. “It’s imperative now.â€
Just like the photophone once hinted at the future of communication, LiFi could one day become a defining technology for Scotland, much like Nokia did for Finland. As Haas puts it, “We are all at the same starting point. In the next ten years, we’ll build an industry that can have a huge impact.â€