A light bulb could be your next wireless router

Chinese scientists have figured out a rather strange way to set up a wireless Internet network. According to a report by Indian Express, instead of using regular routers which use radio frequencies, the scientists have managed to hook up four computers together using light bulbs. The computers were able to connect to the internet through a one-watt LED bulb using light as a carrier for its data, according to Chi Nan, IT professor at Shanghai’s Fudan University.

The method has been dubbed ‘Li-Fi’, and uses a bulb with embedded microchips. These chips can produce data rates as fast as 150 megabits per second, which is essentially faster than the average speed of a broadband connection in countries like China and India. Owing to its lack of using radio frequencies, this technology has the potential to radically change how online connectivity works.

More from News & Analysis

What is the US HIRE Bill and why is India’s $250-billion IT sector worried? Is the internet dead? What's this theory that OpenAI's Sam Altman says might be true?

Watch out, Wi-Fi!

Li-Fi is expected to be much more cost-efficient than a typical wireless router, since the parts to build a Li-Fi bulb is inexpensive. Chi Nan said, “As for cell phones, millions of base stations have been established around the world to strengthen the signal but most of the energy is consumed on their cooling systems.” She continues, “The energy utilisation rate is only 5 per cent.”

The development is evidently going hand-in-hand with the recent popularity of LED bulbs in China. Because of this, wireless Internet could potentially be available anywhere. “Wherever there is an LED light bulb, there is an Internet signal. Turn off the light and there is no signal,” Chi said. So the connection does require constant line of sight to work.