Context:
Ministry of Defence (MoD) funded a start-up under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) to secure Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) technology for the Indian Defence sector.
Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) Technology:
- A bidirectional wireless system that uses visible light (400-800 Terahertz) for communication, unlike Wi-Fi which uses radio waves.
- Transmits data with the help of Light Emitting Diode (LED).
- Working – On/off activity of the LED transmitter enables data transmission in accordance with the incoming binary codes (switching ON is a logical ‘1’, switching it OFF is a logical ‘0’).
- Applications – Aircrafts, hospitals (operation theatres), power plants etc. where electromagnetic (Radio) interference creates security issues.
- Advantage –
- Faster: Combination of low interference and high bandwidths provide high data rate.
- Cheaper and sustainable: It is up to 10 times cheaper than WiFi, requires fewer components and uses less energy.
- Secure: Since light does not pass through walls like radio waves do, it prevents interception.
- Disadvantages –
- Much shorter range than Wi-Fi
- Can’t be accessed beyond the illumination range of light, etc.
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX):
- iDEX fosters innovation and technology development in Defence and Aerospace sector.
- Funded and managed by – Defence Innovation Organization (DIO) under Ministry of Defence.
- Functions as the executive arm of DIO
Source: Financial Express
Previous Year Question
With reference to Visible Light Communication (VLC) technology, which of the following statements are correct?
1. VLC uses electromagnetic spectrum wavelengths 375 to 780 nm.
2. VLC is known as long-range optical wireless communication.
3. VLC can transmit large amounts of data faster than Bluetooth.
4. VLC has no electromagnetic interference.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: (c)
