Trulifi Frequently Asked Questions

General questions:

What is LiFi?

LiFi is a wireless communication technology that uses light waves instead of the radio spectrum. LiFi is capable of transmitting data over light at high speeds using visible light or infrared light. LiFi is mostly used in areas where wireless is a must-have and where the use of radio is not available, radio does not work reliably or is not allowed.

Can any type of device, such as laptop, PC, mobile or tablet be connected to LiFi?

Devices need to have a LiFi receiver (USB key) connected today. Our system works with Windows and macOS. We foresee in the future that the LiFi technology will also be available for tablets, smartphones and AR/VR glasses, when LiFi is integrated into the device.

How many devices can be connected to one LiFi network at once?

Per Access Point (covering approximately 20 m2) we can serve up to 16 users. For larger coverage areas or more users, LiFi Access Points can be combined to create very large coverage areas and connecting hundreds of users simultaneously.

Are there any health restrictions to LiFi usage?

Trulifi is using mainly Infrared Lightsources for communication, therefor there are only light waves and no radio waves.  Our products are certified by external test labs and are by today’s standard considered absolutely safe.

What will happen to the connection if the lights are dimmed or off?

Trulifi by Signify communicates via invisible infrared lighting, independently from the lighting in the room. The room lighting can be dimmed or even switched off and the LiFi connectivity still works.

Does LiFi need special type of lighting fixtures or bulbs?

Trulifi can be integrated into a Philips lighting fixture or used as a standalone system or can be fitted in a standard mounting fixture, independently from the lighting fixtures.

Can I access LiFi through a window?

Infrared light travels through glass, but you need to be in the cone of light of the LiFi transceiver to connect to the network. If data security is critically important, just close the window blinds to keep the data inside the room and be 100% secure. If you are designing a LiFi system where data is on purpose traveling through a window, then please make sure that the infrared light travels perpendicular to window.

Is LiFi the source of the internet connection?

No, LiFi is connected to the IT infrastructure and turns wired internet into wireless, using light waves. Current Trulifi products for office applications reach connection speeds up to 220 Mbps, but the overall connection speed depends on the backhaul provided by your internet service provider (ISP).

Do you need external gadget to receive the LiFi signal? Is it compatible with any device?

You need a USB Key to connect your device to the LiFi network. This USB Key connects to a Transceiver that is installed in the ceiling. Only if you are in possession of a USB Key AND the matching encryption password AND you are within the cone of light, you can get access to the network. In the future we foresee that LiFi will be integrated into laptops, tablets, smartphones, and AR/VR devices so that an external USB Key will no longer be needed.

If I bring my own USB-key to any LiFi network, can I just connect?

No, the LiFi communication is encrypted by 128-bit AEC CCMP encryption. To connect, you need to have the same encryption key. Customers can change the encryption key for different locations to restrict access.

Does LiFi protect me from hacking the server via the internet?

LiFi provides an additional level of physical security on the last mile of wireless communication because end users must be in the cone of light to connect. On top of this, traditional network security measures such as firewalls will have to be implemented, just like wired LAN connections and WiFi.

Do we expect interference from other light sources such as a TV remote control or an optical mouse?

Trulifi by Signify uses IR light for communication. We use optical filters to filter out any other wavelengths. Theoretically an infrared device using the same wavelengths with enough power could disturb the connection. However, this must be done on purpose, in the same physical location of the LiFi component and with enough power to have any noticeable effect.

What happens to the connection if someone walks into the path of the light beam?

There must be a line of sight between the Transceiver and the USB Key for the connection to work properly. If the access key is covered or placed outside the line of sight, then the connection drops. Once the line of sight is restored, the connection will recover automatically within seconds.

What happens to the connection if someone walks from one spot to another?

We provide seamless handovers between LiFi Transceivers so that a user can be mobile and move from one LiFi Transceiver to another. The USB Key will automatically connect to the nearest Transceiver with seamless handovers between them.

How many square meters is the coverage area of LiFi?

The coverage area depends on the distance between the Access Point and the USB key. A Trulifi 6002 system with 6 Transceivers is sufficient for a small meeting room of approximately 20m2, assuming a typical ceiling height of 3 meters. Keep in mind that the higher the ceiling (max 3.60m), the larger the coverage area. The exact coverage area is specified in the Technical Specifications, available on our website. With a LiFi Controller, multiple Access Points can be connected, so that large office surfaces can be covered.

In outdoor field environment, does aircraft engine noise, cloudy sky or thunderstorm affect the LiFi connection?

LiFi is not affected by aircraft engine noise. However, rain, fog and dust may disturb the connection in outdoor situations, especially when the distance between the Access Point and USB Key increases.

Can the data transmission be hacked in the line between the LiFi and the internet service provider?

The LiFi signal is encrypted with a 128-bits AES CCMP encryption key. If a rogue device is placed physically within the cone of light and with the right tools for a brute force attack, there is a risk that the system may be compromised. However, the fact that the hacker must be in the same room, in the line of sight makes it practically very difficult to perform such an attack.

Do LiFi point-to-point devices generate thermal radiations or static electricity during operation?

Trulifi makes use of active Access Points and USB keys which consume power, like any other electronic device. As such, when in use these devices dissipate power, which could be seen with a thermal camera. This heat dissipation cannot be translated or intercepted as data communication. Static electricity cannot be translated or intercepted as data communication.