Global Free Space Optics (FSO) and Visible Light Communication (VLC) Light-Fidelity (Li-Fi) Market By FSO Component (Transmitter, Receiver, Modulator & Demodulator), By FSO Application (Defense, Satellite, Healthcare, Security), By Transmission Type, By VLC Components (LEDs, Photodetectors, Microcontrollers, Software), By VLC Application(Defense & Security, Vehicle & Transportation, Aviation, Healthcare), By Region, and Key Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Trends and Forecast 2021-2031

The use of wireless networking can lead to frequent issues, concerning limited capacity and slow data delivery. Free Space Optics (FSOs), a well-known wireless technology in the aerospace & defense industries, however, eliminates many of the issues that regular wireless communication networks possess.

Deep-space probes, satellite connectivity, interacting with remote locations, UAVs, and airplanes are areas of application for this technology. Free space optics is utilized for communication between two points that is beyond a line-of-sight.

Visible Light Communication (VLC) and FSO should be able to meet the growing need for high-speed data connectivity. High-speed data connectivity necessitates the use of Light-Fidelity (Li-Fi) technology. Access points, software-based network operation solutions, and lighting solutions are all aspects of this technology.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significantly negative influence on the world’s economy. If not successfully handled, there could be far-reaching and even fatal outcomes. Several industries have been disrupted, and the telecom industry is no exception.

Network infrastructure providers have made significant investments towards Li-Fi technology owing to advancements in wireless network communications technologies that have resulted in the exponential increase in data traffic.

Detailed Segmentation –

Based on FSO Component:

• Transmitter
• Receiver
• Modulator & Demodulator

Based on FSO Application:

• Mobile Backhaul
• Enterprise Connectivity
• Disaster Recovery
• Defense
• Satellite
• Healthcare
• Security
• Engineering & Design
• Others Applications

Based on Transmission Type (VLC Market):

• Unidirectional
• Bi-directional

Based on VLC Components:

• LEDs
• Photodetectors
• Microcontrollers
• Software

Based on VLC Application:

• Smart Store
• Street Light
• Consumer Electronics
• Defense & Security
• Vehicle & Transportation
• Aviation
• Healthcare
• Underwater Communication
• Hazardous Environment
• Other Applications

Based on Region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• Middle East & Africa

Market Dynamics –

Drivers:

In terms of energy usage, VLC/Li-Fi technology has been found to be quite efficient. The VLC system uses LEDs for data transmission, requiring a relatively lower amount of energy. VLC technology is a greener, cleaner, and safer alternative to Radio Frequency (RF) because it emits no harmful emissions and is biologically benign. Furthermore, VLC technology is interference-free, meaning, it does not emit electromagnetic interferences like RF systems do. Therefore, it can be utilized in areas where RF wireless communication is prohibited, such as in hospitals, chemical facilities, oil rigs, and even undersea. Therefore, this is a key element that is augmenting faster and safer data communication solutions in comparison to other competing technologies.

Restraints:

As VLC technology is based on the principles of light, one of its biggest disadvantages is that light cannot pass through solid surfaces such as walls, wooden doors, windows, etc. A direct Line-of-Sight (LoS) is required for this technology to function properly, and the coverage of VLC systems has been likewise limited. Therefore, it’s clear that this technology is limited to small areas of use. Though it may provide anonymity to an individual user, its utility for large-scale data transfer delivery is debatable. Despite its flaws, experts from all across the world are working to improve this novel technology.

Opportunity:

Li-Fi is a disruptive technology that has the potential to affect a wide range of sectors. It can power Industry 4.0 applications, provide Light-as-a-Service (LaaS) in the lighting industry, enable ITS, improve road safety for semi-autonomous and autonomous vehicles, enable new ways of monitoring the heath of geriatric populations, create new cyber-secure wireless networks, and provide new ways to bridge the digital divide. Li-Fi will play a critical role in bridging between two key industries: wireless communications and lighting. Li-Fi will be a key component of growing smart cities and Industry 4.0 over the next 5–10 years, being used for a wide range of applications. Hence, VLC has enormous potential to deliver features and services, as well as in aiding the rapid commercialization of IoT and 5G technologies, by serving as a possible access option for their applications.

Trends:

Over the forecast period, the FSO market for healthcare and the VLC market for undersea communications are anticipated to develop at the quickest rates. FSOs are widely used in the healthcare industry, where wireless communications via radio waves are prohibited due to potential risks to the health of patients. Underwater communications rely on acoustic technology, which limit speeds to a fraction of those terrestrial wireless systems. Underwater, RF technology does not function properly, but visible light can facilitate high-speed data transmissions over short distances. VLC can be a safer alternative to RF communication and can aid in catering to the needs of this market.

Competitive Landscape –

• Fsona Networks Corp.
• General Electric Company
• Ibsentelecom Ltd.
• Koninklijke Philips N.V.
• Lightbee Corp.
• LightPointe Communications Inc.
• Lvx System
• Oledcomm
• Outstanding Technology Co. Ltd.
• Panasonic Corporation
• Plaintree Systems Inc.
• Purelifi Ltd.
• Supreme Architecture
• Trimble Hungary Kft.
• Wireless Excellence Limited (CableFree)

Recent Developments:

• In January 2020, LiFiMAX1G was launched by Oledcomm (France) as part of the LiFiMAX package. LiFiMAX1G enables 1Gbps upstream and 600 Mbps downstream connectivity at 1-5m distances for unrivalled IoT and robot communication solutions.
• In June 2019, PureLiFi (UK) partnered with O2 Telefonica (UK) and Zumtobel Group (Austria) to use light in an access point put in the ceiling to deliver enormous amounts of data at Gbps speeds to a specific laptop.
• In October 2019, Signify (Netherlands) and Vodafone Deutschland (Germany) have collaborated to combine the two communication technologies 5G and LiFi, delivering ultra-high-speed wireless broadband connectivity to their clients.

For the Free Space Optics (FSO) and Visible Light Communication (VLC) Light-Fidelity (Li-Fi) Market research study, the following years have been considered to estimate the market size: