Li-Fi wireless data transfer has been published as the 802.11bb standard by the responsible committee of the US Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It defines the physical layer and system architectures for wireless communication via light and sets the recognised framework for the use of Li-Fi worldwide. The document was adopted in June 2023 and is now part of the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard.
 
Li-Fi meets Wi-Fi
Alongside the successful Wi-Fi standard, Li-Fi is now being positioned as a complementary and integrated technology. This opens up exciting opportunities to work seamlessly with Wi-Fi and improve communications in a wide range of applications – such as fast, secure internet access at home or in the office.
 
The new standard is designed to encourage widespread adoption of Li-Fi technology and is an important step in ensuring interoperability between different vendors in the future. The wireless technology uses light instead of radio frequencies to transmit data. Li-Fi is therefore extremely fast and is considered very secure. Because light does not pass through walls, the risks of interference and eavesdropping are low.
 
Mobile data where radio reaches its limits
Light propagation across the line of sight also enables indoor navigation with centimetre accuracy. Compared to radio, Li-Fi offers higher reliability with lower latency times. Light-based data transmission is suitable for wireless network connectivity in buildings, classrooms, medical and industrial applications.