Exploring the Impact of 802.11bb on Li-Fi Network | Oledcomm

Light fidelity is ready to enhance wireless communication with a new global standard developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) illuminating the way.

Introduction to IEEE 802.11bb

The introduction of the 802.11bb standard to light fidelity technology is a groundbreaking discovery and standardization for wireless communication. Below you’ll find the in’s and out’s of how the IEEE’s approval of the new LiFi internet standard is set to further enhance the way we communicate and connect.

When a new standard is passed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in regards to wireless communication, innovative, real-world applications for swift wireless communication are just within reach. The 801.22 bb LiFi standard released in 2023 defines system architecture and physical specifications for the layers of wireless communication on light projections.

What is IEEE 802.11bb?

The IEEE 802.11bb standard is a recent advancement in wireless communication technology specifically tailored for light fidelity (LiFi) networks. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) developed this standard to enhance and streamline the integration of LiFi technology with existing wireless communication systems. By defining the necessary protocols and specifications, IEEE 802.11bb aims to standardize LiFi technology in order to promote compatibility, interoperability with existing systems, and performance optimization across all wireless devices and networks.

Impact of IEEE 802.11bb on Li-Fi Technology

The introduction of IEEE 802.11bb marks a significant milestone for Li-Fi technology, offering numerous benefits that can transform the way we use light for data transmission.

• Smooth and Enhanced Interoperability :

  One of the primary impacts of IEEE 802.11bb is the enhanced interoperability it brings to LiFi networks. By establishing a standardized framework, devices and systems from different manufacturers can seamlessly communicate with each other. Since LiFi internet aims to optimize wireless protocols, a key feature of the 802.11bb standard is spatial multiplexing or space-division multiplexing (SM, SDM, or SMX), which enhances the capacity of light fidelity systems. This technique of managing spatial resources also involves the simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams using multiple light sources or antennas.

• Improved Performance:

  The new LiFi standard focuses on optimizing the performance of Li-Fi networks. Discussing the LiFi speed can be simplified in a visualization exercise: the “band” can be approximated in the visible light spectrum from violet light’s 380 nanometers (nm) to red light’s 750 nm, and therefore refers to the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can transmit data through the wavelengths of light signals. New wireless internet standards listed with the 802.11bb launch address issues such as data transmission rates, latency, and signal stability, ensuring that Li-Fi can meet the demanding requirements of modern communication systems.

• Security Enhancements:

  Security is a critical concern in any communication technology. IEEE 802.11bb incorporates advanced security protocols to protect data transmitted via LiFi networks. Robust advanced encryption measures and authentication mechanisms are included in this standard, and it ensures that LiFi communications are secure from potential threats, making it suitable to protect sensitive information in sectors like government, military, and healthcare.

• Integration with Existing Infrastructure:

  The IEEE 802.11bb standard’s ability to facilitate the integration of LiFi with existing wireless infrastructure is a retrospective compatibility designed for a smooth transition from traditional WiFi to LiFi, leveraging the benefits of both technologies. LiFi can now be adopted without the need for a complete overhaul of their current systems, making the implementation process more cost-effective and less disruptive.

Adoption Rate and Industry Reception

Newness in all technological sectors can be difficult to integrate, but the adoption rate of IEEE 802.11bb and the reception within the industry have been incredibly positive and promising. Leading technology companies, networking equipment manufacturers, and research institutions have shown significant interest in this standard, recognizing its potential to revolutionize wireless communication. Early adoption and its effects from several industry leaders cited in a research document from the IEEE Communications Standards Magazine can be found here. It also discusses the impact of the 802.11 standards chart.

Industry support also fosters a competitive market, encouraging the development of innovative solutions and driving down costs, with the promise of making LiFi technology more accessible to a broader audience.

Comparison of IEEE 802.11bb with Previous Standards

The significance of IEEE 802.11bb can be better understood when compared with previous wireless communication standards and wireless protocols.

IEEE 802.11 (WiFi):The most well-known standard for wireless communication is IEEE 802.11, commonly referred to as WiFi. While WiFi has become almost ubiquitous in providing wireless internet access, it can only operate on the radio frequency (RF) spectrum. It is susceptible to outside interference and bandwidth congestion, whereas in contrast, the IEEE 802.11bb leverages the visible light spectrum, operating on a wider bandwidth and offering an alternative that’s less prone to interception.

IEEE 802.15 (Wireless Personal Area Networks): IEEE 802.15 encompasses standards for wireless personal area networks (WPANs), including technologies like Bluetooth, Zigbee, wireless USB, and NearLink. These standards do not offer the same data transmission rates and security features as IEEE 802.11bb because they are designed for short-range communication. Li-Fi, with the backing of IEEE 802.11bb, is the solution for both short-range and longer-range, large-scale deployments.

Conclusion

The introduction of IEEE 802.11bb represents a pivotal moment for Oledcomm and Li-Fi technology. We are thrilled by the positive industry reception, and the growing adoption rate signals a bright future for Li-Fi, positioning it both as a viable alternative and complement to traditional Wi-Fi.

Richard Webb, Director, Network Infrastructure at industry analyst firm CCS Insights comments on the IEEE 802.11bb standard saying, “This opens-up exciting new opportunities for LiFi to work seamlessly with WiFi and make communications better in a range of applications, from high-speed, secure internet access in the home and office to expanding next generation experiences to wider markets such as XR and spatial computing.”

As more organizations and industries recognize the benefits of Li-Fi, driven by the advancements of IEEE 802.11bb, it becomes clear that Oledcomm’s light fidelity systems and developments will be in charge of the future of connectivity.