Communications of the ACM
Chinese Scientists Achieve Internet Access Through Light Bulbs
Chinese Academy of Sciences researchers say they have come up with a way to access the Internet using signals sent via light bulb.
Credit: GreatAmericanThings.net
Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences say they have developed a method for accessing the Internet using signals sent by light bulbs (Li-Fi) instead of Wi-Fi.
Four computers under a one-watt light-emitting diode (LED) light bulb can connect to the Internet under the principle that light can be used as a data carrier instead of traditional radio frequencies, as in Wi-Fi, according to researcher Chi Nan. A light bulb with embedded microchips can produce data rates as fast as 150 megabits per second, which is faster than the average broadband connection in China.
Chi notes that existing wireless signal transmission gear in China is costly and under-efficient. "As for cellphones, millions of base stations have been established around the world to strengthen the signal, but most of the energy is consumed on their cooling systems," she says. "The energy utilization rate is only 5 percent." Chi points out, "Wherever there is an LED light-bulb, there is an Internet signal."
However, the researchers note that the development of a series of key related pieces of technology, including light communication controls as well as microchip design and manufacturing, is still in an experimental stage.
From Xinhua News Agency
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