Now Wi-Fi Through Light Bulbs!

Scientists in China have achieved wireless communication through a light bulb.       Saturday, October 19, 2013:  Chinese researchers have successfully transmitted wireless signals through light bulbs. According to reports, the researchers hypothesised that four computers under a light bulb can use light as a carrier and connect to the internet. Further, Chi Nan, an IT professor from the Shanghai-based Fudan University, said that since micro chips are embedded in a light bulb, they can facilitate transfer of data at speeds of about 150 mbps. The technology is known as Li-Fi technology and is much cheaper than the existing Wi-Fi internet technology. Further, Chi reportedly said that in order to boost signals for cell phones, there are millions of base stations around the world. But, a major part of their energy is taken up by their cooling systems and that a mere 5 per cent of the total energy is utilised. She agreed though that Li-Fi technology needs to go a long way and is currently impractical and signals would subside the minute the light goes out or is blocked. The technology was named by Haral Hass from the Edinburgh University and stands for Light Fidelity. If perfected, it has a lot of social implications and possibilities.