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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 'Li-fi 100 times faster than wi-fi' | 'Li-fi 100 times faster than wi-fi' |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| A new method of delivering data, which uses the visible spectrum rather than radio waves, has been tested in a working office. | A new method of delivering data, which uses the visible spectrum rather than radio waves, has been tested in a working office. |
| Li-fi can deliver internet access 100 times faster than traditional wi-fi, offering speeds of up to 1Gbps (gigabit per second). | Li-fi can deliver internet access 100 times faster than traditional wi-fi, offering speeds of up to 1Gbps (gigabit per second). |
| It requires a light source, such as a standard LED bulb, an internet connection and a photo detector. | It requires a light source, such as a standard LED bulb, an internet connection and a photo detector. |
| It was tested this week by Estonian start-up Velmenni, in Tallinn. | It was tested this week by Estonian start-up Velmenni, in Tallinn. |
| Velmenni used a li-fi-enabled light bulb to transmit data at speeds of 1Gbps. Laboratory tests have shown theoretical speeds of up to 224Gbps. | Velmenni used a li-fi-enabled light bulb to transmit data at speeds of 1Gbps. Laboratory tests have shown theoretical speeds of up to 224Gbps. |
| It was tested in an office, to allow workers to access the internet and in an industrial space, where it provided a smart lighting solution. | It was tested in an office, to allow workers to access the internet and in an industrial space, where it provided a smart lighting solution. |
| Speaking to the International Business Times, chief executive Deepak Solanki said that the technology could reach consumers "within three to four years". | Speaking to the International Business Times, chief executive Deepak Solanki said that the technology could reach consumers "within three to four years". |
| The term li-fi was first coined by Prof Harald Haas from Edinburgh University, who demonstrated the technology at a Ted (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference in 2011. | The term li-fi was first coined by Prof Harald Haas from Edinburgh University, who demonstrated the technology at a Ted (Technology, Entertainment and Design) conference in 2011. |
| His talk, which has now been watched nearly two million times, showed an LED lamp streaming video. | His talk, which has now been watched nearly two million times, showed an LED lamp streaming video. |
| Prof Haas described a future when billions of light bulbs could become wireless hotspots. | Prof Haas described a future when billions of light bulbs could become wireless hotspots. |
| One of the big advantages of li-fi is the fact that, unlike wi-fi, it does not interfere with other signals, so could be utilised on aircraft and in other places where interference is an issue. | |
| While the spectrum for radio waves is in short supply, the visible light spectrum is 10,000 times larger, meaning it is unlikely to run out any time soon. | While the spectrum for radio waves is in short supply, the visible light spectrum is 10,000 times larger, meaning it is unlikely to run out any time soon. |
| But the technology also has its drawbacks - most notably the fact that it cannot be deployed outdoors in direct sunlight, because that would interfere with its signal. | But the technology also has its drawbacks - most notably the fact that it cannot be deployed outdoors in direct sunlight, because that would interfere with its signal. |
| Neither can the technology travel through walls so initial use is likely to be limited to places where it can be used to supplement wi-fi networks, such as in congested urban areas or places where wi-fi is not safe, such as hospitals. | Neither can the technology travel through walls so initial use is likely to be limited to places where it can be used to supplement wi-fi networks, such as in congested urban areas or places where wi-fi is not safe, such as hospitals. |