UAE-based technology company Zero.1 has launched Light Fidelity (LiFi) in Dubai. LiFi is a wireless technology that transmits high-speed data using light (i.e. Visible Light Communication or VLC) rather than radio bands. LiFi provides possibilities for the Internet of Things (IoT), the connection between people and things. Zero.1 is at the very heart of this […]
UAE-based technology company Zero.1 has launched Light Fidelity (LiFi) in Dubai. LiFi is a wireless technology that transmits high-speed data using light (i.e. Visible Light Communication or VLC) rather than radio bands.
LiFi provides possibilities for the Internet of Things (IoT), the connection between people and things. Zero.1 is at the very heart of this technology.
LiFi can boost the network speeds about 100 times faster than the conventional WIFI system available.
In a broadcast environment, the technology can potentially yield speeds more than 10 Gbps, allowing an HD film to be downloaded within 30 seconds. Every light source in a home and office could be a LiFi within 20 years.
It provides a more stable connection and the download is smoother and faster even for larger 4K and 8K files, according to Marc Fleschen, CEO of Zero.1. All you need is a robust LiFi source and a fibre optic connection.
“You can watch and download videos at super speed, and browse new websites in a blink. Another advantage is security, as LiFi does not travel between walls the data is more secure. We have conducted tests for sending large video files which have yielded very good results. The technology can be leveraged in B2B broadcast environments,” he said.
LiFi does not interfere with radio signals and is safe to use in radio frequency sensitive environments such as aircraft, nuclear plants, and oil rigs. It is also safer for environments such as hospitals, medical centres and schools,” he said.
Zero.1s research and development team has created a platform of LiFi enabled LED with their IOTA (Intelligent Outdoor Tower Automation) product range which takes the traditional LED street light and adds layers of communications. IOTA changes the way public spaces and resources are managed. Together with the advanced City.1 software, it provides experiential and management solutions for public spaces, community places, industrial hubs and commercial plots.
The company recently entered a strategic alliance with du to implement this technology in Dubai. Fleschen, commented: “We are proud to say that in conjunction with our project partner du, we have been able to initiate the first demonstration of its kind in the Middle East. Working with du we look forward to the roll-out of our LiFi applications in the Dubai Smart City platform and the retail sector as the year unfolds.
Any private or public lighting including street lamps can be used to provide LiFi hotspots and the same communications and sensor infrastructure can be used to monitor and control lighting and data. IoS and Android Smartphones can be connected directly using LiFi. Short range links give very high data-speeds and best possible data security. LiFi driven geo-localisation services allow users to benefit from on-the-spot location and services information.
Zero.1 Supports Dubais Smart City Vision
Zero.1 supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the smartest city in the world and make the emirate one of the worlds most technologically advanced hubs. Zero.1 will demonstrate real-time LiFi conference hot spots and experiential activities in its Dubaitech offices.
How Does Zero.1 Plan to Implement LiFi
With its combination of IOTA hardware, City.1 Software and Cloud services, Zero.1 will lead the commercialisation of LiFi technology in the UAE, with plans to also introduce it in other GCC countries shortly. LiFi applications that will impact multiple sectors such as street lighting, retail, healthcare, education, museums, and large public venues are in the development stage and are planned to be strategically launched this year.
City.1 is a management software solution that works with IOTA; an LED LiFi enabled product. City.1software bridges the gap between objects and people. With this communication tool, Smart City managers get more from their infrastructure and give more to citizens. The City.1 mobile application works on iOS and Android platforms. The IOTA Street light is embedded with the Cyrus card. Merged with Zero.1s cloud platform, the citys streetlight network becomes the centre of communication, between the city and its people, businesses and services to people, and people to people.
The beauty of this technology is its simplicity. Every LED light bulb could be converted into a wireless router with the addition of a small microchip. The conversion LED lights will also reduce carbon emissions and result in conservation of energy.
