Using a room's lights for wireless broadband

[DavidDvorkin]

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-03/osoa-ftd030910.php

In the future, getting a broadband connection might be as simple as flipping on a light switch. In fact, according to a group of researchers from Germany, the light coming from the lamps in your home could one day encode a wireless broadband signal.

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

1. " No one would be bothered by this" I wonder if this was tested with dogs or cats in the room?

The signal would be generated in a room by slightly flickering all the lights in unison. No one would be bothered by this because the rate of modulation would be millions of times faster than a human eye can see. Since visible light can't go through walls like radio, there would be no unwanted interference from stray signals and less worry of outside hackers.

[DavidDvorkin]

3. Interesting question.

[jdlh8894]

2. But do you

have to use incandescence bulbs?:evilgrin:

[DavidDvorkin]

4. It only works with LED lights

according to the article. Neither incandescents nor flourescents will work.

[hunter]

5. Optical wireless is going to be a very big deal.

Especially in places like airport lobbies and libraries with large volumes of wireless internet traffic.

[DavidDvorkin]

6. If streetlights could be adapted to do this

Instant broadband all over the place.