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

  • Oct 19, 2026 - MVP Lighting Welcomes Kalmn Ladouceur as Part of Their Outside Sales Team

    MVP Lighting Welcomes Kalmn Ladouceur as Part of Their Outside Sales Team

    The MVP Lighting team is expanding, and they are excited to welcome Kalmn Ladouceur to their outside sales team, as MVP’s new sales representative for architectural and design specifications. With over 10 years of experience in the design world, she brings valuable insight to every lighting recommendation. Kalmn brings a collaborative approach and a sharp… Read More…

  • Oct 19, 2026 - Liteline Announces Court Pollard as Their New Vice President of Operations

    Liteline Announces Court Pollard as Their New Vice President of Operations

    Liteline would like to congratulate Court Pollard on his promotion to Vice President of Operations! Court joined Liteline in 2016 as Operations Manager and stepped into the role of Director of Canadian Operations in 2021. Over the past decade, his steady leadership, practical problem-solving, and commitment to his team have strengthened their operations and the… Read More…


Design

  • LEDVANCE: Toyota Lighting Case Study – Brossard, Quebec, Canada

    LEDVANCE: Toyota Lighting Case Study – Brossard, Quebec, Canada

    Located 15 minutes from Montreal, Toyota’s Quebec Regional Office in Brossard, Canada houses a first-floor training and service area, and second-floor offices where financial services and dealer network operations are conducted.  With environmental sustainability representing a core pillar of Toyota’s mission, the Brossard location has long been committed to embracing products and practices that conserve… Read More…

  • CSC LED: How Product Availability Impacts Project Timelines

    CSC LED: How Product Availability Impacts Project Timelines

    When planning an LED lighting project, the focus is usually on performance, specifications, budget, and application requirements. But there is another factor that can have just as much impact on the project: product availability. A fixture may be the right choice on paper, but if it is not available when needed, it can affect installation… Read More…


New Products

  • SATCO|NUVO: Dual Head Security Lights – Bullet & Square Heads Models

    SATCO|NUVO: Dual Head Security Lights – Bullet & Square Heads Models

    SATCO|NUVO’s Dual Head Security Lights deliver dependable outdoor illumination for residential and commercial applications. Available in traditional bullet head designs as well as architectural square heads, these fixtures feature selectable 3000K, 4000K, and 5000K color temperatures and are offered in black, white, and bronze finishes to complement a variety of exteriors. Constructed from rugged die-cast… Read More…

  • ABB Ready-Lite: RSAUR Series – Surface-Mount Architectural Remote Fixture

    ABB Ready-Lite: RSAUR Series – Surface-Mount Architectural Remote Fixture

    The RSAUR Series surface-mount architectural remote fixture is designed specifically for installations requiring a junction box, whether recessed, surface-mounted, or suspended. Engineered for easy installation, it combines performance with simplicity and style, making it a smart choice for commercial and architectural environments. Recognized with Grands Prix du Design | Gold Certification 2026. Read More…