The intersection of the Internet of Things (IoT) and lighting infrastructure is creating powerful new opportunities, with Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) emerging as a notable frontier. While IoT-enabled luminaires already act as sensor hubs, collecting data on occupancy, temperature, and air quality, Li-Fi technology takes this a step further by using modulated light waves to transmit data at extremely high speeds. This technology promises advantages in environments where radio frequency (RF) based Wi-Fi is problematic, such as in hospitals, aircraft, or secure facilities. The lighting industry is poised to be at the heart of this convergence. Each LED luminaire becomes a potential dual-purpose node: providing illumination and high-bandwidth wireless connectivity. This development demands closer collaboration between lighting manufacturers, telecom companies, and software developers. The future will see “connected lighting” systems that not only manage energy and ambiance but also form the underlying wireless mesh network for a building’s entire data ecosystem, turning every light point into a gateway for information and services.
