Zumtobel is looking at ways to use its LED solutions to empower the latest wireless technology, LiFi.

In partnership with pureLiFi, Zumtobel has performed a trial that uses LED lights to send large amounts of data while appearing as a normal LED light to the human eye. Zumtobel wishes to evolve lighting beyond its core function of pure illumination and solve challenges for high-speed secure wireless connectivity.

Alongside its LED lights, Zumtobel has installed pureLiFi’s system, enabling data transmission via an LED luminaire at high speeds through small adjustments in the LED’s brightness. The bandwidth of this high speed internet connection is far greater than even WiFi.

Being more secure and virtually interference free, LiFi enables Zumtobel to leverage vast frequency spectrum resources of visible light.

Zumtobel will leverage LiFi to create value for lead adopters from industries such as medical, defence, industrial and manufacturing but will be evaluating the market demand for this technology over the coming months.

Zumtobel chief executive Alfred Felder says that LiFi will play a decisive role in moving the industry into an era of digital light.

“LiFi enabled by Zumtobel allows us to step into the next era of wireless communications. Compared to standard radio technology or cellular such as WiFi, LiFi can transmit at multiple gigabits, is more reliable, virtually interference free and uniquely more secure.”

PureLiFi chief executive Alistair Banham adds that the partnership will be beneficial for both parties.

“Zumtobel is one of the European market leaders for professional lighting and associated services. Currently, 80% of mobile wireless communications globally happens indoors. By offering connectivity alongside its innovative LED lighting technology, Zumtobel has the potential to become a leading supplier of high bandwidth data communication.”

Mobile World Congress will be host to Zumtobel’s pureLiFi exhibit, including a showcase of gigabit ready LiFi components in commercial form factors, demonstrating how LiFi is ready for commercial adoption.