Are Light Bulbs the Next WiFi?

Boston University wants to create a new wireless technology based on LEDs instead of radio waves. The tiny, powerful lights blink so fast that the eye cannot detect the change, offering the possibility of communicating megabits of data every second.

That's slow, according to Gadget Lab:

The current 802.11g Wi-Fi standard, which transmits data at rates up to 54 megabits per second. But researchers are aiming the light technology at networking household appliances, such as refrigerators, photo frames or printers -- bringing us a step closer to the dream of a wireless household.

The technology requires switching from standard bulbs to LEDs. Then, wherever there is light within line of sight would have a connection to the Internet. Traditional WiFi is able to go through walls, but is subject to interference.

The program has just been launched by the College of Engineering with a grant from the National Science Foundation. So, don't expect to head into Best Buy for your LED router anytime soon. In fact, a similar concept from 2001 using the flicker of fluorescent lights has yet to see widespread use.

The future of ubiquitous computing will need innovations like this to become a reality. Our iPhone-like devices will need a constant connection. One downside: this could leave those of us who bring our laptops to bed searching for a light to stay connected.

[Drawing by Boston University via Cellular News]

See also:

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• Steal This Wi-Fi