Light bulbs for wi-fi? Could be, if Boston University boffins get their sums right.
The college’s engineering department is working on a project that transmits data using visible light instead of radio waves. The researchers believe they can create ‘smart lighting’ that will be faster and more secure than current network technology. It would effectively make an LED light the equivalent of a wi-fi access point.The scientists insist the concept would trump existing technologies by using existing power lines with low power consumption, high reliability and no electromagnetic interference. They believe widespread a wireless device within sight of an enabled LED could send and receive data at speeds in the one to ten megabit per second range.
Since this white light does not penetrate walls, there is a higher security.
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