LiFi vs WiFi | Difference Between LiFi and WiFi

LiFi and WiFi are two popular technologies used for internet-based applications. However, they differ in the way they transmit and receive data. LiFi uses light waves as a medium for communication, while WiFi (wireless fidelity) uses electromagnetic waves (radio waves) at various frequencies. 

LiFi is considered faster and more secure than WiFi, but it has a shorter range and cannot penetrate walls. Additionally, LiFi requires a direct line of sight between the transmitter and receiver to work, while WiFi signals can pass through obstacles.

Table of Content (TOC)

• LiFi vs WiFi
• What is LiFi?
• Advantages of LiFi
• Disadvantages of LiFi
• What is WiFi?
• Advantages of WiFi
• Disadvantages of WiFi
• LiFi vs WiFi - Key Differences

LiFi vs WiFi

Let's compare LiFi vs WiFi in a tabular format for better clarity.

What is LiFi?

LiFi full form is light fidelity. It is a wireless communication technology that uses light to transmit data. It is similar to WiFi in terms of function, but instead of using radio frequencies, LiFi uses Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology to transmit data. 

The VLC technology uses solid-state lighting (SSL), such as LED bulbs, for data transmission and provides access to a wireless network. LiFi is considered safer and more secure than WiFi as it cannot penetrate solid objects like walls, which means that unauthorized users cannot intercept the signal outside the room.

Advantages of LiFi

Here are some of the advantages of using LiFi:

• LiFi offers faster data transfer speeds than traditional WiFi, enabling seamless and rapid data transmission. 
• It consumes less energy and is more environmentally friendly than WiFi, as it uses LED lights that consume less electricity. 
• It operates without emitting electromagnetic radiation, making it safer for people with electromagnetic sensitivity and less harmful than WiFi for human health.

Disadvantages of LiFi

Here are some of the disadvantages of using LiFi:

• LiFi technology has a shorter range than WiFi and cannot penetrate through walls, limiting its coverage area. 
• Light fidelity technology relies on light waves to transmit data, which can be easily blocked by physical obstacles or ambient light sources, leading to interference issues. 
• The deployment costs associated with LiFi technology can be significantly higher than that of WiFi due to the need for specialized hardware, such as LED lamps and photodetectors, which can be expensive.

What is WiFi?

WiFi full form is Wireless Fidelity. It is a wireless technology that allows devices to connect to a wireless local area network (WLAN) using routers and radio frequency waves. 

It enables devices such as computers, smartphones, and tablets to communicate wirelessly with each other and the internet. WiFi transmits data over radio waves in specific frequency ranges, typically 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. WiFi network operates in two modes: 

• ad-hoc (i.e. BSS-Basic Service Set) 
• infrastructure (i.e. ESS-Extended Service Set)

Advantages of WiFi

Here are some of the advantages of using LiFi:

• While LiFi requires a direct line of sight between the transmitter and the receiver, WiFi signals can pass through walls and other obstacles, allowing users to move around freely while staying connected.
• WiFi is much more compatible with a broader range of devices than LiFi. While LiFi requires specialized equipment and light fixtures, WiFi can be used with a wide range of devices.
• WiFi is more cost-effective than LiFi and is a more practical choice for most businesses and organizations.

Disadvantages of WiFi

•  WiFi signals are vulnerable to interference from other devices that operate on the same frequency, such as Bluetooth devices and microwaves.
• Hackers can intercept WiFi signals, access sensitive data, and compromise the network's security.
• WiFi relies on radio frequencies, which have a limited bandwidth for transmitting data. This means that as more devices are connected to a WiFi network, the available bandwidth is shared among them, leading to slower data transfer rates.

Read the What is Wifi: Types, Working, and Application article to learn more about WiFi. 

LiFi vs WiFi - Key Differences

Here are the top five key differences between these two wireless technologies:

• WiFi transmits data using radio waves, whereas Li-Fi uses light, typically from LED bulbs, to transmit data.
• Li-Fi operates at a frequency spectrum about 10,000 times higher than WiFi, offering potentially higher data transmission speeds. In contrast, WiFi operates at lower frequencies of 2.4GHz, 4.9GHz, and 5GHz.
• WiFi coverage can extend to about 32 meters and is less affected by physical barriers. On the other hand, Li-Fi has a shorter range of about 10 meters and requires line-of-sight for optimal performance.
• WiFi is susceptible to electromagnetic interference from various electronic devices and can operate effectively in dense environments. Conversely, Li-Fi is less prone to such interference but is more suitable for high-density settings due to its use of light for data transmission.
• WiFi networks are generally more vulnerable to security breaches as radio waves can penetrate through walls. Li-Fi offers enhanced security as its light-based signals cannot pass through opaque structures, making it inherently more secure against external breaches.