O2 tests LiFi in new network trial

[Martin-O2]

Hey everyone, 

LiFi is a new technology that uses light instead of radio signals to transmit data wirelessly. In a new cutting edge trial partnership with pureLiFi O2 have installed pureLiFi’s LiFi-XC system in their Slough HQ in the ‘Explore Room’. The system contains 9 Li-Fi enabled LED lights that enables data to be transmitted from a LED light bulb and back at high speeds through adjustments in the bulb’s brightness. This provides high-speed, bi-directional and fully networked wireless communication of data! 

The potential applications of this technology include providing wireless connectivity in places where traditional wireless networks cause problems such as hospitals or on board aircraft and can provide higher data speeds whilst reducing infrastructure costs and energy consumption. 

Derek McManus, O2’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “At O2 we’re committed to building the best network possible for our customers, and a huge part of that is making sure we’re ahead of the pack in testing the latest technology."

“Our LiFi trial shows how you can deliver high-speed connectivity to customers in new ways and is another example of how we’re future-proofing our network as we pave the way for 5G in the UK.”

Alistair Banham, CEO of pureLiFi, said: “With the proliferation of internet-of-things devices and continued growth in mobile users, the demand for spectrum is under increasing pressure. LiFi is capable of unlocking unprecedented and much-needed data and bandwidth, and we are delighted that O2 has chosen to partner with pureLiFi to explore this tremendous potential. O2 is at the forefront of championing technologies to provide real solutions for 5G and beyond, and we look forward to working with them towards our common goal.”

So, what do you think of the potential of LiFi technology? Is this something you would be interested in having at your home or business and can you see any potential issues with how it works? 

For further information on LiFi technology, please visit: https://purelifi.com/technology/

[viridis]

So basically an open air version of optical audio cables?

[cglover2]

It's a shame that there is so much negativity in the comments to this report, surely all these comments are what is being tested!  The whole object of a test like this is to see the positives and negatives and as a commercial enterprise they would need to make sure it was financially and commercially viable.

Still some time away I would guess but I for one will be watching with interest.

[viridis]

What negativity?
People asking questions isn't negativity, it's part of understanding a concept. If no one asked questions, we'd still be in caves.

[jonsie]

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@viridis wrote:
What negativity?
People asking questions isn't negativity, it's part of understanding a concept. If no one asked questions, we'd still be in caves.

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Some of us are of an age where the uestions and theories will still be theories being putting forward once we are long gone or too senile to even understand.