Is it Possible to Create a Faster Alternative to WiFi for Wireless Internet Access?

Wireless internet has come a long way, with technologies such as WiFi and 5G offering faster and more reliable connections. However, the journey to creating a faster and more efficient alternative is still ongoing. In this article, we explore the possibilities and challenges in establishing a faster wireless internet solution.

5G: Faster than WiFi, But Not Always

5G networks indeed offer faster speeds compared to Wi-Fi, thanks to higher frequencies and better encoding techniques. 5G can achieve up to 20 Gbps in maximum encoding, whereas the most performant Wi-Fi devices in 2024 support only 4 channels. This limitation is even more pronounced in crowded environments, where multiplexing 4 channels can increase latency due to conflicts with neighboring devices.

How 5G Works

Higher frequencies and better encoding play a crucial role in the speed of 5G. Essentially, 5G transmits data more efficiently by encoding bits together, superposing them onto a carrier wave. For example, by dephasing 1/64 of the carrier phase, it can encode 6 bits. Other techniques include frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, and mathematical algorithms.

Limitations of WiFi

While 5G shows promise, WiFi is still widely used due to its accessibility and convenience. However, WiFi has several limitations, including:

Distance: WiFi speeds drastically reduce beyond 30 feet. Overcrowding: WiFi becomes over-crowded in apartment buildings, reducing the signal time on any given channel. Limited Channel Support: Most Wi-Fi devices in 2024 can only use 4 channels, which means higher speeds can only be achieved if you have multiple channels.

Higher Frequency Light Links

One alternative to WiFi is the use of higher frequency light links. These links can achieve speeds of up to 800 Mbit and even higher in some cases. The limitation here is often the connection to 1 Gbit Ethernet links, which can limit the overall speed. To truly take advantage of these higher speeds, it is suggested to improve the availability of 2.5 Gbit Ethernet connections.

LiFi: The Future of Wireless Internet?

A promising alternative to WiFi is LiFi (Light Fidelity), a wireless optical communication technology. LiFi promises to be 100 times faster than WiFi, with speeds reaching up to 224 Gbps in some cases. While currently available, LiFi is not yet mainstream like WiFi. Its real-world speed record includes a 1GB per second transfer rate.

Key Features of LiFi:

Higher speeds: LiFi offers significantly faster speeds, up to 224 Gbps. Optical technology: LiFi uses light to transmit data, making it immune to electromagnetic interference and providing a secure communication channel. Unlimited potential: As optical technology continues to advance, the potential for LiFi's speed and reliability increases.

To explore more about LiFi, you can refer to the following resources:

Lifi Info Nature Article on LiFi

In conclusion, while 5G and WiFi are well-established and widely used, there is a need for innovation to meet the growing demands of wireless internet users. LiFi, with its potential to offer extremely fast speeds, may be a promising alternative to WiFi, but its adoption and integration into mainstream technology is still in the early stages.