While Li-Fi—using light waves to transmit data—has not yet achieved the commercial breakthrough once predicted, research and niche applications continue to advance. The concept offers tantalizing advantages over traditional Wi-Fi, including potentially higher speeds, enhanced security (as light does not pass through walls), and no interference with radio frequencies. Current viable applications are found in environments where RF is problematic or forbidden, such as hospitals, aircraft cabins, and secure government facilities. The lighting industry’s role is to develop LED fixtures that can modulate light at extremely high speeds to carry data without affecting their primary illumination function. As the demand for bandwidth explodes with IoT and 5G/6G networks, Li-Fi remains a promising complementary technology. The journey from laboratory success to widespread adoption, however, hinges on cost reduction, standardization, and seamless integration with existing wireless ecosystems.
