Communications tech can save a 'LiFi' in disaster operations

LiFi technology was used to maintain, real-time, bi-directional communications that could enable communications with a command centre allowing the emergency services to maintain safe, reliable connectivity during a response.

Jeffery Schweitzer, Chief Innovation Architect, Verizon commented: “pureLiFi demonstrated that LiFi solutions could perform under real life operations and enable critical communications during response missions in chaotic and disastrous environments."

The Guardian Center is a world class US training facility for disaster response units who can gain experience under real emergency conditions. The event featured technologies that could advance communications during rescue operations and ultimately save lives.

Thomas P. Ventulett, CEO, Aegex, elaborated: “Working with our technology partners like pureLiFi at this event truly showed the power of collaborative IoT solutions to solve complex problems in the most critical of operations.”

LiFi uses light rather than radio frequencies technology such as WiFi and therefore can provide wireless connectivity in areas that WiFi cannot such as power plants, petrochemical facilities, and hospitals. LiFi also eliminates interference because light can be directed. pureLiFi’s systems can be simply installed alongside existing lighting infrastructures making LiFi a suitable technology for anywhere light, and communications are required, such as industrial settings. As demonstrated at the Guardian Center LiFi can also maintain safe and reliable performance under disaster situations.

Alistair Banham, pureLiFi, CEO added: “LiFi provides uniquely reliable wireless communications in unpredictable conditions such as disaster circumstances. Due to the growing pervasiveness of LED lighting and the high speed, safe, secure and noninvasive qualities of LiFi the applications for this technology are limitless. LiFi will provide connectivity for our homes, our offices or public spaces and beyond.”

This novel test of LiFi technology reveals a particularly significant use case. LiFi cannot only unleash unprecedented data and bandwidth it can also offer reliable and robust connectivity when we need it most.