LED lighting to replace Wi-Fi?

[TopSecret]

Boston University are conducting research into using LED lighting for network comms.

Read the full article here.

 

[llwyd]

Interesting but that reaaaaally doesn't have a hope in hell of catching on in my opinion. I mean, line of sight - might aswell go back to IR

 

[Toxcity]

Look pretty poor to be honest.

Wi-Fi will not be taken down easily and certainly not by that.

 

[°TheMadDutchDude°]

Agreed, it is going to cost a lot more than to buy a £50 router as well.. I personally can't see the point in this but, who knows.. silly things do make the market and do well at times!

 

[TopSecret]

While this method may not take off, I think they are right to be pursuing other methods of data comms. Wireless networks are renowned for problematic connections, and wired networks just aren't practical in some scenarios. In an office environment, the LED method could work well I think.

 

[Jesse-PXP]

Does it need to take the place of Wi-Fi? It would be a good addition in my opinion, but do the 2 not congeal well?

 

[TopSecret]

I can't see any reason why the two couldn't co-exist, other than the added cost to the router manufacturing to implement both techs.

 

[SwaleSmith]

not impressed what about electric usage,presume youll have to leave the light on, green peace won't be happy LOl, and what about getting them installed you would have to re-wire the lighting in your house surely

!!!!!??? for example I have dimmers LOL so as far as I know LED's are incompatible, wi-fi for me thanks

 

[Zoot]

It could work very well in an Office environment.

But it sure as hell isn't going to replace Wi-Fi when it comes to ranged telecommunications over long distances.

 

[SwaleSmith]

I can never see this taking off myself.

 

[TopSecret]

I think it could work very well in certain scenarios. The home setting is probably not an ideal environment for the technology, but there are definitely areas where it could be welcomed.

In the report I found, the designers have mentioned the technology may be useful in other areas such as automobile safety. I don't think it's fair to write off the technology while its still in the creation process.

 

[fusion1275]

Does this mean we can only use our pc's/network when its dark?? hehe

Or are they trying to tell us we really are going back to the dark ages!

 

[nathan]

i cant see the replacing wifi in anyway shape or form, but i can see this being another tech for home automation. going against X10 etc.

 

[Jesse-PXP]

Yah there's definitely no problem with new innovation.

 

[ionicle]

anyone know the meaning of "eppilepsy"?