“Light waves deliver security that radio waves cannot”

What makes Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) the next big contender in connectivity? Is it the use of lasers, access to an unregulated light spectrum, EMI immunity, wall-level privacy, freedom from spectrum scarcity, or the absence of interference?

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The answer is all this and more—though challenges remain around indoor obstructions, LED infrastructure, and hardware requirements. At the centre of this conversation is the Light Communication Alliance (LCA), which brings together the largest Li-Fi manufacturers and industry partners.

Its Chairman, Marc Fleschen, in interaction with Pratima harigunani, shares his perspectives on Li-Fi’s current status, the questions still to be addressed, and how the LCA is shaping the technology’s future. Excerpts:

How would you define Light Communication for a non-technical audience?

Light Communication (LC), encompassing technologies such as Li-Fi and Optical Camera Communication, represents a profound shift in connectivity. By harnessing the expansive, unlicensed light spectrum for data transmission, LC offers a sustainable solution to the pressures on traditional radio frequency (RF) networks. It addresses spectrum scarcity, inherent security vulnerabilities, and increasing ICT energy consumption.

How does Li-fi compare with Wi-fi and existing wireless systems?

LC offers advantages in data speed, military-grade security, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and spectrum efficiency. The objective is not to replace Wi-Fi but to complement it—deploying LC where its unique strengths provide maximum value. Together, they form heterogeneous, converged networks with better performance, stronger security, and higher sustainability.

What improvements does Li-fi bring in terms of speed and bandwidth?