LiFi wireless transmission standard IEEE 802.11bb released: 100x faster than Wi-Fi and more secure

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has announced the adoption of 802.11bb as the standard for light-based wireless communication. This release has been warmly welcomed by global LiFi companies as it will facilitate the rapid promotion and adoption of data transmission technology standards.

LiFi, or Light Fidelity, is a technology based on Visible Light Communication (VLC) that allows for bidirectional, high-speed wireless network transmission and is a type of Optical Wireless Communication (OWC). The widely used Wi-Fi employs Radio Frequency (RF) signals for wireless communication, while LiFi uses visible light.

Proponents of LiFi contend that light possesses superior advantages over radio frequency. Compared to traditional technologies such as Wi-Fi and 5G, LiFi offers faster, more reliable wireless communication and unrivaled security. The new standard also aids in achieving compatibility and interoperability with Wi-Fi. However, this does not imply that LiFi will supersede Wi-Fi and 5G technologies. After all, application scenarios vary, and in terms of long-distance transmission through the atmosphere or penetrating opaque objects, radio wave technology still holds a distinct edge. LiFi is more about ensuring absolute speed and security advantages within a specific communication range.

Presently, pureLiFi, a front-runner in the LiFi ecosystem, has provided samples to OEM manufacturers for evaluation and commenced testing of LiFi systems in architectural lighting and street lamps. LiFi can utilize a part of the proprietary infrared spectrum in lighting for transmission, achieving speeds up to 224 GB/s. Since the frequency exceeds 60Hz, it’s imperceptible to the human eye. In contrast, the maximum theoretical speed for the current Wi-Fi 7 (IEEE 802.11be) is 30 Gbps.