LiFi Networks: Concept, Standardization Activities and Perspectives

Abstract

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) networks are nowadays the most used technology for Internet access and besides this, they represent favorable communication solution for many Internet of things (IoT) application areas. However, the radiofrequency (RF) spectrum used by WiFi networks cannot satisfy increasing capacity demands of upcoming multimedia and IoT services. Thus, using wide available bandwidths in an optical portion of spectrum revived research attention as an interesting solution for future 6G wireless networks. A technology similar to WiFi, but operating in optical spectrum is denoted as LiFi (Light Fidelity). LiFi uses light emitting diode (LED) for data transmission, thus being energy efficient, widely available solution for high-speed data transfer, mostly considered as WiFi complementary technology. In this paper we provide overview of main concepts of LiFi networks, state of the art in standardization activities, their advantages and distinguishing application areas, as well as implementation issues. Moreover, we present main features of terahertz communications, as a competing technology to LiFi towards 6G networks.