Operation Convergent Response Demonstrates LiFi’s Emergency Capabilities

January 30, 2019

Verizon, Nokia and Aegex Technologies recently hosted an event where LiFi shows how it can sustain communications during a subway attack.

As part of an initiative to solve problems in disaster response communications Verizon, Aegex and Nokia brought together technology partners from around the world to collaborate on solutions. The objective was to bring technologies together that can help maintain business continuity, mitigate risks, potentially limit the impact of a catastrophe and when disaster strikes, and assist emergency response efforts.

Named Operation Convergent Response (OCR), the event featured technologies that could advance communications during rescue operations and ultimately save lives, and was held at the Guardian Centers training facility in the United States. This world-class disaster preparedness training centre provides disaster response units with experience under real emergency conditions.

During the event, PureLiFi demonstrated its wireless LiFi technology in a subway disaster scenario. 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 from 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.”

LiFi uses light rather than radio frequencies technology such as Wi-Fi and therefore can provide wireless connectivity in areas that Wi-Fi 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 an ideal 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 explains, ”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 article was first published online by PureLiFi; purelifi.com/case-study/first-commercial-installation/.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE Expands Ontario Presence with New Specification Agent

    LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Sterling Architectural Products Ltd. (Sterling Lights) as their new specification agent in Ontario. This partnership strengthens LEDVANCE’s presence in the region and reinforces their commitment to serving the professional lighting design and specification community with innovative, reliable lighting solutions. With decades of experience and a service-driven mindset,… Read More…

  • May 29, 2025 - Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka Wins Three 2025 Red Dot Awards for Product Design

    Eureka is pleased to announce that its Velia, Cirra, and Junction luminaires have each received a 2025 Red Dot Design Award for Product Design. It is the 11th consecutive year that Eureka products have been honored with this prestigious award, which is a testament to the company’s consistency and relentless drive to design exceptional luminaires.… Read More…


Design

  • What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    What is Human Centric Lighting: Benefits & Applications

    Human centric lighting (HCL) is a kind of illuminated way based on human physical and psychological needs. Its core goal is to imitate the changes in natural light to support the body’s circadian rhythm, improve visual comfort, and enhance mood. The key element of human centric lighting contains dynamic ​color temperature adjustment, adjustable brightness, spectrum… Read More…

  • Mac’s II Agencies: Case Study – Tesoro, Vancouver, BC

    Mac’s II Agencies: Case Study – Tesoro, Vancouver, BC

    At the crest of False Creek, Tesoro stands as a contemporary interpretation of classic luxury, offering 92 exclusive waterfront homes in the heart of Vancouver. Developed by Concert Properties, this 17-story residential tower embraces a distinctly modern character, harmonizing sleek design with timeless sophistication. The vision for Tesoro extended beyond its architectural presence—it was about… Read More…


New Products

  • Elevate Your Lighting with Magic Lite’s CCT Streamline Tape & Rotating Scene Control Panel

    Elevate Your Lighting with Magic Lite’s CCT Streamline Tape & Rotating Scene Control Panel

    Looking for the ultimate in flexibility and flawless aesthetics for your next lighting project? Meet the new CCT Streamline Tape and Rotating Scene Control Panel from Magic Lite—your solution for perfectly tunable, zero-pixelation illumination. Indoor and Outdoor options – both cuttable and re-connectable! Read More…

  • GVA Lighting: PIXEL GEN2 COLOR CHANGING

    GVA Lighting: PIXEL GEN2 COLOR CHANGING

    PIXEL GEN2 is the second generation of the direct-view PIXEL series, designed for dynamic color effects, low-resolution image displays, and media façades. Built on the award-winning COLOR-STREAM platform, it delivers 16X faster communication than DMX, ensuring ultra-smooth dimming and real-time responsiveness. With INFINITY technology, PIXEL GEN2 supports lighting circuits of up to 1,565 PIXELs, providing… Read More…