Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Objective
4. Components Required
5. Working Principle
6. Software and Communication
7. Advantages of Li-Fi
8. Limitations
9. Applications
10. Future Scope
11. Conclusion
12. References
Light Fidelity (LiFi)
1. Abstract
Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) is a wireless communication technology that utilizes
visible light instead of traditional radio waves to transmit data. This project
demonstrates a simple implementation of Li-Fi using two Arduino boards—
one for transmission and one for reception. The transmitter encodes text into
binary and uses an LED to send the signal. The receiver uses an LDR to
detect the LED blinks, decodes the binary data, and displays the original
message on a 16x2 LCD. This setup effectively showcases how visible light
can be used for short-range communication in a cost-effective manner.
2. Introduction
Li-Fi, or Light Fidelity, is an emerging communication system that transmits
data through rapid modulation of light intensity from an LED. Unlike Wi-Fi,
which uses radio frequency (RF) signals, Li-Fi uses the visible light
spectrum, offering unique benefits such as higher theoretical bandwidth,
electromagnetic interference immunity, and improved security.
Despite its advantages, Li-Fi requires a direct line of sight and is affected by
ambient light conditions, making it suitable for specific use cases. This
project provides a practical demonstration of Li-Fi's working principles
using basic components like Arduino, LED, LDR, and LCD.
3. Objective
To demonstrate Li-Fi communication using visible or infrared light.
To transmit binary data using either:
An LED with an LDR (visible light method), or
An IR LED with an IR receiver module (infrared method).
To convert text into binary and send it using light signals.
To decode the received signal and reconstruct the original message.
To display the decoded message on a 16x2 LCD.
To compare both methods and understand their advantages and
limitations.
4. Components Required
o Arduino Nano
o LED or IR LED
o LDR Module or IR Reciver Module
o LCD Display
o Breadboard
o Jumper Wires
o USB Cables
5. Working Principle
Li-Fi is a wireless data transmission method using light. This project offers
two ways to implement it:
1. Visible Light Method:
The transmitter Arduino encodes a user-defined message into binary
format.
An LED blinks to represent binary values:
o ON for ‘1’
o OFF for ‘0’
The receiver Arduino reads light intensity changes using an LDR
sensor.
The Arduino decodes the ON/OFF signals into binary data.
The binary is translated back into the original text and displayed on a
LCD.
2. Infrared Light Method:
An IR LED (like one from an Airtel remote) transmits invisible IR
light.
An IR receiver module detects the IR pulses representing binary data.
Both methods use the same decoding logic on the receiver side. The received
binary message is then reconstructed and displayed on an LCD.
6. Software and Communication
Arduino Nano:
Arduino Uno:
Communication:
- Serial (UART) communication is used internally for debugging and
potentially between devices.
- Binary encoding is handled manually in the code.
- LED blinking acts as the data carrier.
- LDR input is sampled at a fixed interval to detect binary states.
7. Advantages of Li-Fi
- High Speed: Theoretically faster than conventional Wi-Fi.
- Electromagnetic Immunity: Safe for use in hospitals or sensitive
environments.
- Enhanced Security: Light cannot penetrate walls, limiting unauthorized
access.
8. Limitations
- Line-of-Sight Required: Must maintain a direct path between transmitter
and receiver.
- Sensitive to Environment: Performance may degrade under bright ambient
lighting.
- Limited Range: Effective only over short distances compared to Wi-Fi.
9. Applications
- Hospital Communication: Interference-free data exchange.
- Underwater Data Transfer: Where RF communication fails.
- Smart Lighting Systems: Dual-purpose lighting and data transmission.
- Home Automation: Secure and localized communication for IoT devices.
10. Future Scope
- High-Speed Internet through LED Lighting: Existing LED infrastructure in
homes, offices, and public spaces can be leveraged to provide ultra-fast
internet access.
- Deployment in Radio-Sensitive Environments: Ideal for locations such as
hospitals, aircraft cabins, and industrial facilities.
- Underwater Communication: Light can be used for short-range data
transfer underwater.
- Enhanced Security: Light offers a secure communication channel as it does
not penetrate walls.
- Integration with Smart Lighting and IoT: LEDs can serve dual functions—
illumination and data connectivity.
11. Conclusion
This project successfully demonstrates the fundamental concept of Li-Fi—
using visible light for wireless data transmission—through a low-cost,
Arduino-based prototype. It highlights both the potential and the constraints
of Li-Fi technology. With enhancements such as modulation techniques,
better sensors, and adaptive coding, Li-Fi can evolve into a mainstream
communication medium, especially in niche environments.
12. References
https://www.arduino.cc/ – Official Arduino Documentation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li-Fi – Wikipedia page on Li-Fi
https://circuitdigest.com/ – Electronics projects and tutorials
https://www.sciencedirect.com/ – Research papers on optical
communication
Electronics for You Magazine – Articles on communication
technologies
Class 12 Physics NCERT Book – Chapter on Communication
Systems.
