Telecom startup Velmenni has received a grant from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) under the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative for its innovative Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) technology.
Purpose of the Grant
The grant aims to strengthen wireless communication for the defence sector, focusing particularly on the Navy and the unique communication challenges it faces in harsh environments.
Understanding Li-Fi Technology
- Definition: Li-Fi stands for Light Fidelity.
- Functionality: Li-Fi uses special LED (light-emitting diodes) bulbs as routers and works on optical wireless communications (OWC) technology.
- Data Transmission: Li-Fi devices deliver data through visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light, unlike Wi-Fi routers, which use radio frequencies.
Speed and Performance
- Speed: Li-Fi can deliver speeds of up to 224GB per second, which is 100 times faster than WiGig, the fastest Wi-Fi in the 60GHz frequency band, which can achieve a maximum speed of 7GB per second.
- Security and Performance: According to Velmenni, its Li-Fi can enhance data transmission for the Indian Navy and other defence applications, offering enhanced security and performance suitable for real-time communication needs.
Advantages for the Navy
- High-Speed Connections: Li-Fi allows the Navy to establish high-speed connections in areas where radio frequency (RF) communication may be challenging or compromised.
- Operation in Secure Areas: Li-Fi operates using visible light, enabling data transmission through LEDs, ensuring connectivity in highly secure areas such as underground facilities or shielded rooms where RF signals cannot penetrate.
- Mission-Critical Operations: Li-Fi ensures uninterrupted connectivity, enabling seamless communication and coordination during mission-critical operations.
Statements from Velmenni
- Founder and CEO Deepak Solanki: “The iDEX grant is a testament to the potential of the company’s Li-Fi technology,” he told The Financial Express. “With these resources, we are poised to revolutionise wireless communication, ensuring secure and efficient data transmission using light.”
iDEX Initiative and Government Programs
- Purpose: The iDEX program is designed to stimulate innovation within India’s defence sector by incorporating advanced technologies.
- Alignment: The initiative aligns with flagship programs such as Make in India, Startup India, and the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the main purpose of the grant received by Velmenni from the Ministry of Defence?
- A. To develop new LED technology
- B. To enhance wireless communication for the defence sector
- C. To create new Wi-Fi routers
- D. To improve internet speed in rural areas
- Answer: B. To enhance wireless communication for the defence sector
- What does Li-Fi stand for?
- A. Light Fidelity
- B. Light Frequency
- C. Light Fusion
- D. Light Functionality
- Answer: A. Light Fidelity
- How does Li-Fi technology transmit data?
- A. Through radio frequencies
- B. Through electrical signals
- C. Through visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light
- D. Through sound waves
- Answer: C. Through visible, infrared, or ultraviolet light
- What is the maximum speed that Li-Fi can achieve?
- A. 7GB per second
- B. 100GB per second
- C. 224GB per second
- D. 500GB per second
- Answer: C. 224GB per second
- Which flagship programs does the iDEX initiative align with?
- A. Make in India
- B. Startup India
- C. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)
- D. All of the above
- Answer: D. All of the above
- In what type of environments can Li-Fi technology ensure uninterrupted connectivity?
- A. Open fields
- B. Highly secure areas such as underground facilities or shielded rooms
- C. Underwater
- D. Outer space
- Answer: B. Highly secure areas such as underground facilities or shielded rooms