Comparison between Two Types of Wireless Transmission: Wi-Fi and Li-Fi - Research Paper Example

Wi-Fi vs. Li-Fi Comparison Research between Two Types of Wireless Transmission: Wi-Fi and Li-Fi Architecture Prior to comparing two distinct sorts of wireless transmission i.e. Wi-Fi and Li-Fi in terms of various functionalities and attributes, it is indispensable to acquire a brief idea about their definitions. From a theoretical perspective, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) is defined as a renowned wireless networking based technology, which fundamentally executes radio waves for offering high-speed internet as well as networking connections to the end users. On the other hand, light fidelity (Li-Fi) is described as a wireless optical based technology, which typically utilises light-emitting diodes for transmission of data (Paul & Sharma, 2014). After acquiring a brief idea about the definitions of Wi-Fi and Li-Fi, certain notable differences can be apparently observed amid these old and current networking techniques. In this regard, one of such differences amid them can be found in terms of their architecture. Justifiably, the architectural structure of the old networking technique i.e. Wi-Fi is based on wireless stations (STAs) that make every wireless device to join to a specific Wi-Fi network. These STAs can be reckoned as a laptop, phone and a personal computer amongst other related electronic devices. It is worth mentioning in relation to the above context that when one or in excess of one STAs are connected wirelessly, these eventually create a basis service set (BSS). This node is deemed to be regarded as one of the fundamental building blocks of a Wi-Fi network (Digi International Inc., 2008). This can be better understood from the below depicted pictorial representation. Source: (Digi International Inc., 2008) On the other hand, it can be apparently observed that the architectural design of the current networking technique i.e. Li-Fi is deemed to be different from that of Wi-Fi. This is to be justified with reference to the fact that Li-Fi architecture comprises several numbers of lamps or LED bulbs that are encrypted into numerous electronic devices that entail mobile phones and laptops amid other related electronic devices. In relation to the architectural design of this new technique i.e. Li-Fi, certain important factors are being considered such as Line of Sight (Los), making better utilisation of fluorescent lights for ensuring better performance and Presence of Light for deriving varied positive outcomes and reaping several important benefits. Apart from these, other essential architectural design elements that are considered during the making of Li-Fi include a streaming content and internet among others (Saptasagare, 2014). A pictorial illustration has been portrayed in the below for better comprehension of the architectural design of Li-Fi, which is much different from Wi-Fi. Source: (Saptasagare, 2014) 2. Speed Apart from having, differences relating to the aspect of architectural design, certain notable dissimilarities can also be found amid Wi-Fi and Li-Fi in terms of the factor concerning to their speed. Identifiably, the speed of Wi-Fi is less than that of Li-Fi, which can be justified with reference to the fact that as per the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the old networking technique i.e. Wi-Fi provides a speed nearly abut 54-250mbps. This low speed, at certain instances, becomes inadequate to hold number of desired users. Specially mentioning, with this concern, the conception of Li-Fi has been introduced for addressing the above stated limitation of Wi-Fi. Thus, the introduction of Li-Fi as the current networking technique replacing Wi-Fi eventually denotes that its speed is faster as compared to the old networking technique of Wi-Fi. In this regard, the speed of Li-Fi can be reckoned as approximately 1-35 Gbps, which is greater than that of Wi-Fi network. It will be vital to mention in this context that the speed of Li-Fi is greater than Li-Fi because of its increased dependency of LED light bulbs as well as fibre optical mediums that transmit data faster as compared to radio waves that use by Wi-Fi. More importantly, it is to be inferred that the current networking technique i.e. Li-Fi has the potentiality to transmit the rates of data quicker that 10mbps, which is deemed to be faster than any other broadband connection on an average basis. There also exists another important reason for which the speed of Li-Fi is faster than Wi-Fi. This reason is noted to be the inclusion of gigabit-class as well as sub-gigabit communication and unidirectional along with bidirectional data transfer nodes in the infrastructural design of Li-Fi. It will not be ambiguous to state that due to faster speed, the desired users usually prefer this current networking technique to Wi-Fi (Paul & Sharma, 2014). 3. Cost While making a comparison research between Wi-Fi and Li-Fi acting as two distinct sorts of wireless transmission techniques, it can be found that the current networking mechanism that has been embraced by the users on a global domain i.e. Li-Fi is cost-effective as compared to that of Wi-Fi. Specially mentioning, though the expenses relating to instalment are quite high, the maintenance costs of Li-Fi is low in comparison with Wi-Fi. There lay certain potential factors or reasons for which Li-Fi is deemed to be regarded as a cost-effective technique in nature by the desired users and likewise embraced by them in this modern technological world. Such factors or reasons included consuming less amount of energy along with time and no more imbursement of broadband bills on a monthly basis. Apart from these, the other important factors or reasons entail incurring minimum costs relating to electricity, saving huge amount of money due to increased longevity of the LED bulbs along with optical fibres and secured access of the same by does not making the lights to get penetrated through the walls (Saptasagare, 2014). Based on the above discussion about making a comparative evaluation between Wi-Fi and Li-Fi in terms of architectural design, it can be ascertained that the old networking technique i.e. Wi-Fi possesses numerous nodes for transmitting data through radio waves. This eventually triggers the need for expending huge amount of expenses for deriving varied positive outcomes. By considering this fact, it can be inferred that the infrastructural design costs of Wi-Fi is not much cost-effective. It can also be apparently observed that within Li-Fi’s infrastructural design system, only a few of the nodes such as LED lights aid in transmitting the data for serving any purpose. This fact denotes that fewer expenses are made relating to the identification and the application of the nodes within the network system of Li-Fi. Thus, in accordance with the above disclosed factors, it is evident that Li-Fi is more efficient, quicker, result-oriented and most importantly cost-effective in comparison with WiFi. Thus, it is worth mentioning that due to this cost-effective nature, the current networking technique of Li-Fi is being used within the global companies by a considerable extent as compared to the use of Wi-Fi (Saptasagare, 2014). 4. Protocols Similar to the above stated aspects concerning architecture, speed and cost, significant differences can also be found amid Wi-Fi and Li-Fi in terms of protocols. Being transformed into a wireless protocol, Wi-Fi uses a specific kind of ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) frequency band, which can be used freely without the need of licensing. Initially, it can be found that Wi-Fi launched with the specification of 2.4 GHz with comprising transmission charges of 1-2mbps. However, with the increased level of introducing innovative technologies, it now functions at the frequency of 5GHz with the data transmission charges of reaching up to the level of 54 mbps (EngineersGarage, 2012). On the other hand, the protocols structure of Li-Fi is recognised to be different from that of Wi-Fi. This can be justified with reference to the fact that Li-Fi protocols circulate data transmission procedure through LED lights and optical fibres rather than depending much on wave frequencies. It is strongly believed that the protocols of Li-Fi have been designed in such a way that eventually made it an alternative of Wi-Fi. This is owing to the reason that the protocols of Li-Fi, which remain dependent on optical fibres and LEDs, tend to maximise the original internet speed with the transfer charge of up to 10gbps i.e. quite beyond the expectation level of Wi-Fi (Phys.org, 2015). In terms of functionality, the protocols of Wi-Fi often act as effective communication tools based on which distinct sorts of gadgets can form, develop and maintain effective communication with one another in a wireless manner. In contrast, from the functionality perspective, the current networking technology of Li-Fi performs different functions such as data transmission through effective utilisation and amalgamation of LED lights as well as optical fibres (Phys.org, 2015). Relating to the factor concerning the maintenance of quality, the old networking technique of Wi-Fi makes better execution of wireless spectrum based bands without laying down the requirement of paying the licensing fees (EngineersGarage, 2012). While contrasting to Li-Fi in terms of quality, it can be ascertained that this current networking technique desires to utilise light waves such as LEDs for ensuring fast data transmission and downloading files with greater speed (Phys.org, 2015). 5. Standards It is worth mentioning that the old and the current networking techniques i.e. Wi-Fi and Li-Fi respectively differ in the standards set by IEEE based on their relative performances in terms of cost, speed and security among others. Thus, it can be apparently observed that IEEE has set the standards 802.15.7 for Li-Fi and 802.11b for Wi-Fi (Paul & Sharma, 2014). From a technical perspective, it is to be affirmed that the standard 802.11b was set by IEEE for Wi-Fi with the prime intention of standardising the support of physical layers pertaining to two innovative speed connections i.e. 5.5 and 11 Mbps (3Com Corporation, 2000). On the other hand, IEEE has set the standard of 802.15.7 for Li-Fi for facilitating the end users to download and access required data at a faster internet speed (IEEE, 2015). From the perspective of composition, it can be found that the standard of 802.11b relating to Wi-Fi denotes two distinct sorts of layers relevant to data link that encompass Media Access Control (MAC) and Logical Link Control (LLC). Apart from these, the standard also takes into concern a slight modified protocol, which is acknowledged as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA) or the Distributed Coordination Function (DCF). From a conceptual standpoint, the protocol CSMA/CA endeavours to evade any sort of collision that may take place during the transmission of data. By considering the fact that the set standard of 802.11b with respect to Wi-Fi has the probability to emerge collisions during the procedure of data transmission, IEEE has thus set a new standard for Li-Fi (3Com Corporation, 2000). In contrast, from the perception of composition, the standard 802.15.7 set by IEEE for Li-Fi fundamentally comprised perceptible light spectrums that extend within the range of 380nm to 780nm in terms of wavelength. This particular standard set for Li-Fi is thus capable of providing data charges that are adequate towards supporting live streaming of audio as well as video multimedia based contents within the electronic gadgets (IEEE, 2015). While making a comparison between Wi-Fi and Li-Fi in terms of standards, it can be mentioned that the standard set for Li-Fi adheres to the regulations of eye safety while accessing required data from the internet medium by the users (IEEE, 2015). On the other hand, the standard set for Wi-Fi adheres to the regulations of developing Ethernet performance based levels of the mobile users (3Com Corporation, 2000). 6. Use of Li-Fi in New Products In order to discuss about the new products that use Li-Fi networking technology, it can be apparently observed that this particular technology is being used in every setting such as hospitals, retail stores, offices, warehouses and even in streets. Justifiably, in relation to hospital setting, Li-Fi networking technology is utilised as a long-range support as well as wellness tool based on which the patients and the medical staff can access their required data without having any sort of disruption created by radio waves. From the perspective of retail stores setting, Li-Fi is used as a single device of LED lighting system, which aids such stores to make sales of digital technology and improvise their respective operational efficiency as per the desired level. With regards to the setting of warehouses, Li-Fi technology often gets utilised as a service rather than a tool. This can be justified with reference to the fact that the service helps in tracking down the personnel into secure areas during the time of any breakdown occurs in the warehouses. Thus, with the use of this specific technology, the performance tracking records of the personnel attached with any warehouse located throughout the globe can be duly maintained on a long-term basis with ensuring higher level of accuracy and data transmission speed. It can also be ascertained that Li-Fi technology is used in the products like bulbs and streetlights, which provides new experiences of lighting amid the users residing in varied regions across the world (OLEDCOMM, 2014). Apart from the above identified settings, the arts, cultures as well as exhibitions centres and transports along with mobility areas are also identified to use this current networking technology i.e. Li-Fi. In this regard, relating to the setting of the arts, culture as well as exhibitions centres, the use of Li-Fi technology can be apparently observed in the form of the products such as LED lamps, light bulbs and stage show lightings among others. Finally, with respect to transports along with mobility area settings, the technology of Li-Fi gets used in the form of lighting product, which certainly attracts the stakeholders attached with such settings (OLEDCOMM, 2014). 7. Security Issues Specially mentioning, security issues persist for both Wi-Fi and Li-Fi. This can be justified with reference to the fact that the radio waves in case of Wi-Fi and light waves relating to Li-Fi easily go through the walls, which can be captured and likewise used for conducting any negative activity or purpose. However, though security issues are found to be prevalent amid the above discussed old and current networking technologies, it is eminent to state that the security concerns with regards to Wi-Fi are much more as compared to Li-Fi. This might be owing to the reason that the use of heat waves and Gamma rays by Wi-Fi often become dangerous for humans, as these tend to impose high level of threat to their security in terms of stealing personal belongings and other financial assets among others without their concern. From a contrastive perspective, the light waves that easily get penetrated through the walls often create threats in the form of disrupting the entire computer networks and stealing useful information of an organisation that conduct by the hackers by using distinct technological programs or tools (Mutthamma, 2013). While making a comparison research between two sorts of wireless transmission techniques i.e. Wi-Fi and Li-Fi, it can also be ascertained that the intensity of the security concern pertaining to Li-Fi is less as compared to Wi-Fi. This is due to the reason that if the spectrum light cannot be seen, one cannot access any valuable or required data. Thus, with this concern, it is projected that the current networking technology of Li-Fi can be utilised in highly protection military based areas wherein there lays the requirement of forming, developing and maintaining effective communication within the members. From the perspective of the end users, the security level of Wi-Fi is noted to fall under ‘good’ segment, whereas the same in case of Li-Fi is identified to appear under ‘excellent’ section. On a further note, the intensity level of security concern with respect to Wi-Fi is observed to be high as compared to Li-Fi, as there lays huge probability of misusing this technology if any individual possess detailed knowledge about the same and hold bad tendencies (Mutthamma, 2013). 8. Encoding Schemes Similar to above discussed aspects concerning standards, security issues and usage, both the technologies i.e. Wi-Fi and Li-Fi differ in relation to encoding schemes. Justifiably, in case of Wi-Fi, various encoding schemes are being utilised for ensuring quality as well as effective data transmission procedure. In this similar concern, one of such encoding schemes i.e. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is noted to get utilised within the old technology of Wi-Fi instead of other encoding schemes that entail Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) or Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) (IEEE, 2012). In contrast, transforming light frequencies is observed to play a decisive part, as an effectual encoding scheme, which aids in transmitting data efficiently using LEDs and spectrum of lights among others. It can be apparently observed in relation to the above context that the encoding scheme utilised within Li-Fi i.e. altering light frequencies is a form of electromagnetic spectrum based on which varying intensity of lights gets reflected on screens (Khandal & Jain, 2014). With regards to make a comparative research between Wi-Fi and Li-Fi in terms of encoding schemes, it is also to be affirmed that the deployment of the above stated encoding scheme in Wi-Fi has been made in such a way so that the technology gets used in varied populated areas. These areas may encompass airports and coffee houses among others. It is worth mentioning that the use of OFDM as an effective encoding scheme facilitated the Wi-Fi technology to promote as well as make better use of wireless connectivity, which resulted into strengthening the networks persistent within the corporate business environments (IEEE, 2012). On the other hand, based on the observation made by Khandal & Jain (2014), the use of altering light frequencies as an effective encoding scheme within Li-Fi technology ultimately enabled in transmitting data faster than the technology of Wi-Fi. It is to be affirmed that the encoding schemes not only contributed in deriving such positive results, but the protocols that are embedded within this technology i.e. Li-Fi also resulted into developing the connectivity procedures in a cost-effective way amongst various business corporate organisations (Khandal & Jain, 2014). Thus, significant notable differences can be traced between Wi-Fi and Li-Fi technologies that eventually assist in developing new ideas for enhancing the existing computer network systems with respect to IT domain. References 3Com Corporation. (2000). IEEE 802.11b wireless LANs. Technical Paper, 2-12. Digi International Inc. (2008). Product manual. An Introduction to Wi-Fi, 1-67. EngineersGarage. (2012). Wi-Fi protocol: Networking, frame formats, security, attributes. Retrieved from http://www.engineersgarage.com/articles/what-is-wifi-technology IEEE. (2015). 802.15.7-2011 - IEEE standard for local and metropolitan area networks—Part 15.7: Short-range wireless optical communication using visible light. Retrieved from http://standards.ieee.org/findstds/standard/802.15.7-2011.html IEEE. (2012). Wireless fidelity—WiFi. Retrieved from http://www.ieee.org/about/technologies/emerging/wifi.pdf Khandal, D., & Jain, S. (2014). 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