Communications of the ACM
OS Innovation Boosts Wi-Fi Bandwidth Tenfold
The prototype WiFO system uses light-emitting diodes to transmit information invisibly.
Credit: Oregon State University News
Oregon State University (OSU) researchers have developed WiFO, a prototype technology that uses light-emitting diode (LED) lights to transmit information, increasing the bandwidth of Wi-Fi systems by a factor of 10.
The technology could be integrated with an existing Wi-Fi system to reduce bandwidth bottlenecks in crowded locations.
"In addition to improving the experience for users, the two big advantages of this system are that it uses inexpensive components, and it integrates with existing Wi-Fi systems," says OSU professor Thinh Nguyen.
WiFO uses LEDs that are beyond the visual spectrum for humans and creates an invisible cone of light in which the data can be received.
The researchers also created a hybrid system that can switch between several LED transmitters installed on a ceiling, and the existing Wi-Fi system.
"I believe the WiFO system could be easily transformed into a marketable product, and we are currently looking for a company that is interested in further developing and licensing the technology," Nguyen says.
The researchers note the new system has the potential to send data at up to 100 Mbps.
From Oregon State University News
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