LINCNET - LiFi-assisted 5G for industrial and medical networks

© Project LINCNET

Project description
The LINCNET project aims to further develop optical wireless communication so that it can be used in industry-specific applications as an alternative to mobile 5G radio communication. LiFi technology exploits the optical spectrum for this purpose and complements radio in terms of higher data rates in small areas and indoors. It also has the potential to provide higher security and more reliability, e.g. in terms of electromagnetic compatibility. The natural properties of light as a wireless medium offer various advantages in digital medicine and for industrial communications. While LiFi has a high application potential in these areas and has already been demonstrated in exemplary fashion, cost-effective integrated, marketable solutions are still lacking. Powerline devices transport data over the power cable. This allows LiFi technology to use the existing electrical infrastructure - from the fuse box to the power outlets or lighting. This can significantly reduce installation costs. An integrated infrastructure for LiFi with Powerline makes it possible to meet industry-specific requirements efficiently and cost-effectively.

Market perspective and product promise
By connecting LiFi in advanced 5G networks, it will be possible to replace interfering cables with wireless connections in intensive care. Another use case is robots in industrial environments. Flexible process design is possible through wireless, optical networking. In the context of the digitization of the medical and industrial sectors, the physical properties of radio in the environments have so far presented a challenge when it came to wireless communication. With transmission by means of light (LiFi), many processes can be made more powerful and efficient in the future.

LiFi technology is basically functional at this point, but requires further steps to make it usable and cost-effective for the above applications. Lifi technology is already being used outside of Germany, but installation is complex and expensive when connected to the telecommunications network. By using or connecting via powerline technology and the LiFi connection, it is possible to implement a network where a power circuit is available without a large complex and expensive installation. No product combining LiFi and Powerline technology is yet available in global markets.

Challenge and innovation
The challenge is the use of networked devices and digital diagrams, which is steadily increasing in medical practices, treatment rooms and at the bedside, as well as the patients' respective digital medical records. WLAN is difficult in critical areas such as operating rooms or safety-critical areas due to interference, eavesdropping, and broadband conflicts.... The LiFi technology tested in this funded project is electromagnetically compatible and resistant to interference and interference from neighboring networks and their transmission characteristics. Using tablets and other devices, LiFi can be available integrated in these devices. In the industrial environment, the highest possible availability for manufacturing and production lines is necessary with increasing flexibility. In the medical sector, electromagnetic interference can also make radio-based wireless technology difficult. However, LiFi technology can also be used in harsh production environments. The security of information is enhanced by light-based transmission using LiFi. The connected LiFi networks can be operated completely independently of radio, which further increases planning reliability. Thus, it can be used flexibly, even in places where WiFi or other radio technology is undesirable.

Use Cases
The following use cases are to be evaluated as part of the project.

• Equipment medical devices with LiFi modules (ultrasound devices, endoscopes, mobile C-arms, surgical robots).
• Ceiling-mounted access points that relay the transmission of data from the LiFi modules via powerline (to a system connected behind them, such as 5G or another network).
• Data transmission in shielded medical environments (such as radiation therapy), where connection to the cellular network is limited and implemented with LiFi technology.
• Patient identification and patient monitoring using LiFi technology on connected medical devices.
• Provision of monitoring software (network management software) for wired and wireless networks.
• Increasing productivity in production lines using LiFi technology (prototypes resistant to electromagnetic interference on factory floors).

All use cases are considered holistically. In addition to the technical implementation, the challenges of operation and approval are addressed.

Consortium
Devolo AG (DEV, consortium leader), Fraunhofer HHI (HHI), BISDN GmbH, Smart Mobile Labs AG (SML), Indu-Sol GmbH (INDU), IAF GmbH, Technische Universität Berlin (TUB), Thiem-Reserach GmbH (CTK), Deutsche Bahn (DB), Rhode und Schwarz (RS), MHP Management und IT Beratung GmbH (MHP), VPIphonics (VPI), Siemens AG, Volkswagen AG (VW), Weidmüller Interface & Co. KG (WEID).

Duration
January 2022 - December 2024

Budget
Total funds: € 5,3 Mio
Funding amount: € 3,3 Mio