Using LiFi in the Construction Industry

As technology evolves, it provides the construction industry with additional tools to make processes more efficient and effective. Undoubtedly, companies of every size have benefitted from the myriad uses of WiFi (wireless fidelity), and now there is a new generation of wireless technology to consider: LiFi.

LiFi (light fidelity) is a wireless technology that transmits information by using light — as opposed to radio frequencies used for WiFi and cellular. Many corporations are supporting the rise of LiFi, seeing it as the next option for 5G core integration.

Radio frequency communication relies on antennas, radio circuits, and receivers. In contrast, LiFi functions with simpler, direct modulation processes — much like the infrared communication used for remote control devices.

How LiFi Works

A high-speed, mobile, and bidirectional communication technology, LiFi uses multiple light bulbs to form a wireless network. When an LED light bulb receives an electrical current, streams of light are produced from the bulb. The bulbs are like semiconductors, so the light they emit can change at high speeds. This means the LiFi can send signals by modulating the light at various intensities. The signals are received by detectors that can interpret the intensity as information. Since the human eye cannot detect this intensity modulation, the data communication is seamless. Thus, wherever there is LiFi-enabled light, LiFi users can be connected, and data can be transmitted.

The Pros and Cons of LiFi

While many of us have become dependent on WiFi, LiFi has some distinct advantages. Since light can be contained in a specific physical space, LiFi is markedly more secure than other wireless technologies. Light can be protected because doors and windows can be shut, providing physical barriers to safeguard wireless data. LiFi cannot pass through walls, so data can only be exchanged in areas of light. This restriction drastically reduces the risk of hacking. In addition, LiFi can leverage existing security protocols for authentication and encryption to provide even more security.

While radio frequency can be vulnerable to interference from microwaves, cordless phones, and other WiFi networks, LiFi signals are more controlled since they are within the illumination area. That means interference can be reduced or even eliminated, making LiFi a viable option in places where radio frequencies can be unreliable, such as in power plants, hospitals, and airplanes.

In addition to increased safety, LiFi is less harmful to human health since it does not use radio waves. It is also very fast, with a download speed being reported as multiple times faster than 5G.

On the flip side, the main component of LiFi also has its drawbacks. To benefit from this wireless connection, users must be within the light radiance to be connected. Once users leave a LiFi-connected room, their Internet connection will be lost.

Benefits for the Construction Industry

Managing inventory is a constant challenge for contractors, but technology has helped streamline the process. LiFi can advance it further.

LiFi technology can provide the construction industry with high-rate data transfer and secure communication. In addition, it operates in a pollution-free environment, making it a green monitoring system. LiFi sensors can track different elements in a construction setting and relay information about fire, vibrations, and the presence of abnormal gases.

Beyond that application, LiFi can help improve communication, automation, and sharing of real-time data. This technology can be invaluable in tracking the delivery of construction materials and monitoring inventory. In the future, it may also provide better interaction with humans and machines, resulting in heightened innovation. And it may play a significant role in the use of robots on construction sites.

It is important to note that LiFi, while relying on light for connection, can operate in daylight. Sunlight is constant, so the receiver is able to filter it out. Therefore, even in conditions of direct sunlight, the modulated light can be detected and utilized. However, it is critical to understand that when there is no light, LiFi is not operational. Nevertheless, LiFi is a complementary technology. It works in collaboration with other wireless technologies. This means that if the light signal is not strong enough for the receiver to get data, the LiFi technology will work with nearby cellular or radio system networks to deliver data.

A Future With LiFi?

Since LiFi and 5G both have limitations, we should probably view LiFi as a counterpart to 5G for now. Rather than competing against each other, they can be used together for a robust delivery system.

It is possible that LiFi will play a significant role in the construction industry in the years ahead. Undoubtedly, there will be a learning curve as we all work to embrace the new technology, but we will likely appreciate many benefits. As with all innovations, we will have to understand LiFi’s capabilities and shortcomings, ultimately learning how to best use LiFi to strengthen and improve our operations.

Author’s note: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

About the author: Trent Cotney is an advocate for the roofing industry, General Counsel of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and several other industry associations. For more information, contact the author at (866) 303-5868 or visit www.cotneycl.com.

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