LiFi Technology is a wireless communication system that utilizes light as a signal carrier instead of radiofrequency. Our current wireless network uses radio waves to transmit data while LiFi works by switching LEDs on and off within nanoseconds to communicate data. These minuscule variations or rapid flickering cannot be noticed by the human eye. The emerging technology uses a photodetector to read and decode the signals and convert them into streamable content.
Even in our daily lives, we rely for the most part on the Internet whether it is work-related or for personal recreation. While WiFi works for us, it has limitations that can affect us all, especially, big industries.
WiFi has limited bandwidth, can suffer from oversaturation as the demand for wireless connection continues to increase, is vulnerable to hacking because radio waves can pass through the walls, and is also prone to interference.
Experts say that LiFi is the future.
In 2011, pioneer and Edinburgh University Mobile Communications Professor Harald Haas demonstrated the promising LiFi technology during his TEDGlobal Talk. He illustrated and explained how a LED light bulb can transmit far a hundred times faster than a cellular tower. He also co-founded PureLiFi in 2012 which is one of the biggest VLC companies in the world.
How LiFi works is simple and straightforward. It is bidirectional and just needs an infrared light source to send and receive signals.
LiFi’s speed and efficiency can be applied to live streaming, hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, workplaces, schools, retail industries, airplanes, disaster management, augmented reality, airports, and the military.
In this blog, we are going to tackle the benefits of LiFi technology in the defense industry.
LiFi & Military
The military industry has shown interest in the advantages and applications of LiFi technology in its defense operations. EMSD System Development engineer Frank Murphy has been researching how they can use LiFi technology in a tactical environment.
Murphy believes that the emerging technology can address a lot of issues command post-network systems are facing in the wired and wireless fields.
LiFi has promising advantages to tactical operations.
These include its ability to eliminate time-consuming task problems of running data lines in their command centers and posts. Above all, since LiFi does not use radio waves to transmit data, their posts and operations would not be put in jeopardy because they cannot be detected outside the confines of the command platform.
What are the Benefits of LiFi for Military Operations?
Military Grade Security
LiFi offers military-grade security because even in the absence of encryption and other security applications and features, the nature of this technology restricts outsider access, tracks users, and can be contained in a facility or room. Military locations and posts require stronger security and LiFi is not vulnerable to eavesdropping as it can’t pass through the walls. It is only available to the people within the confined post.
Near Zero Electromagnetic Signature
Radiofrequency communications are detectable. While both WiFi and LiFi transmit data over the electromagnetic spectrum, LiFi has a more profound benefit when it comes to being identified or discovered. It has an insignificant electromagnetic signature because it does not use radio waves and is designed to operate in congested environments. This is very crucial for military operations. LiFi goes undetected in enemy-controlled areas.
Quick Deployment
Ethernet-based comms take more time to set and take down when it is time to move out. LiFi, on the other hand, is easier to transport, deploy, and disassemble. Current comms take hours to get them up and running, but LiFi can take only a few minutes.
Field & Post-Ready
Both naval and ground forces can benefit from LiFi. No more cumbersome cables and operators can easily connect to the network system. It provides fast communications, video linking, instant access to documents, on-the-job training through augmented reality, quick logging, geo-location, and so much more. LiFi can take away all the unnecessary, complicated, and time-consuming procedures within a command post.
Non-Jammable
Unlike in the RF Spectrum, LiFi cannot be jammed. Since the transmission is done using LED, the signals which are the date remain confidential within the post. This technology provides full cyber security with no interference. Jamming concerns are nothing new in the current WiFi technology. Using LiFi for military operations and other applications can truly change the way we work.
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