World’s First Li-Fi Classroom Opens

November 20, 2017

Since the beginning of 2017, the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute in Berlin, Germany has been working with a secondary school in Stuttgart to upgrade a classroom with Visible Light Communication technology (VLC).

The VLC technology (also referred as Li-Fi) is a possible alternative to traditional WLAN technology. Data transmission is equally wireless, though not via radio waves but via modulated light from an LED illumination system. The advantages of this Li-Fi technology lie in the avoidance of radio radiation and the lack of interference with other radio waves or electromagnetic fields. This has a favourable effect on the possible bandwidth for densely populated radio networks and a low susceptibility to interferences.

The Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute is working on the further development of this technology and plans with this classroom field test to demonstrate the potential of this technology, and align future research in this area. “The modern schoolroom needs new solutions for flexible data exchange. We believe that the VLC technology offers a genuine alternative to radio-based systems. Our project, thus, contributes to a digitalization of the classroom”, says the project manager at Fraunhofer HHI, Dr. Anagnostis Paraskevopoulos. 

The current equipment, such as the VLC ceiling light and the VLC tabletop modules, are still in the prototype stage. After the further development of the technological basis, it is expected in the long term that the industry will integrate the technology into the room lighting, as well as into terminal equipment such as laptops, tablet PCs and smartphones.

Photo courtesy of Stadt Stuttgart, Yves Schneider

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…


Design

  • What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    When operating a data center, the lighting syst​em is often not the most concerned part. Actually, lighting system performance directly influences whole electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour non-stop data center. This article will delve into the key factors to be considered when choosing data center lighting. For enterprises that are planning to… Read More…

  • Artika: 5 Advantages of Smart Lighting

    Artika: 5 Advantages of Smart Lighting

    Lighting is arguably one of the most important features of any home. Too bright, and it can be abrasive, increasing your sensitivity to light. Too dim, and it hides the unique characteristics of your home and can have adverse effects on your mood. When you design your home, the type of lighting and fixtures you… Read More…


New Products

  • BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    The Prism is part of BOLD’s high-end, durable, and modern 60mm (2 3/8″) recessed fixtures. With its 93 CRI, hexagonal design, partially covered light source, and 360-degree warm glow, you can create unique ambient lighting effects and modern designs, minus the glare. You can safely walk or drive over these raised recessed lights: their low-profile… Read More…

  • Beta-Calco: Micro Squiggle – Suspended Continuous Lighting System

    Beta-Calco: Micro Squiggle – Suspended Continuous Lighting System

    The Micro Squiggle is a highly customizable curvilinear lighting system, which features a sleek 1-inch aperture and integrates seamlessly with architectural design. With a variety of curves, straight sections, and joiners, it allows you to create unique configurations that wrap around structural elements, enhancing the space’s architectural expression while meeting your specific design needs. Micro… Read More…