pureLiFi (Edinburgh, Scotland) has entered an agreement in which it will supply the U.S. Army Europe and Africa (USAREUR-AF) with Kitefin, a next-generation optical wireless communication system using LiFi for secure data transmission without radio frequencies (RFs). USAREUR-AF is fielding the capability across its theaters of operations.
The deployment is based on pureLiFi’s wireless technology that uses light rather than RFs to transmit data. By harnessing the light spectrum, LiFi can unleash more-reliable wireless communications with improved security over conventional technologies, such as cellular, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
The deal with USAREUR-AF is reportedly the world’s first large scale deployment of LiFi. The deployment consists of thousands of certified office and field-deployable LiFi units in real tactical and strategic environments.
The use of RFs in secure and defense environments causes many challenges; mainly, RF can be detected and targeted with both kinetic and electronic means. Kitefin eliminates this risk, as it cannot be detected outside of its defined cone of coverage. The Kitefin system also allows for rapid setup and tear-down having a positive logistical impact saving time, money, and lives on each deployment.
A trial took place in 2019 in which 66th MI tested LiFis in a tactical operations center (TOC) by maintaining a video teleconference and streaming a number of movies from 2nd Signal’s TOC located approximately 10 miles away. The trial demonstrated that LiFi enabled increased mobility, improving the strategic and tactical readiness by allowing users to quickly deploy and communicate. The initial trial of pureLiFi’s technology with the Army showed a variety of Department of Defence stakeholders that LiFi would play a key role in the future of defense communications and resulted in the largest ever purchase of LiFi equipment.
The deal comes on the back of pureLiFi raising £18 million series B investment to take LiFi mainstream.
The Kitefin system has a near-zero electromagnetic signature, cannot be jammed, is fully cyber-secure, and is proven to reduce cabling, logistical requirements, and deliver significantly faster setup times. Kitefin will offer the ability to operate over multiple enclaves, compliant with DISA WLAN AP and Station STIGS.
pureLiFi will be shipping the first units of Kitefin in spring 2021, offering boosted security for defense and setting the scene for protecting critical missions with LiFi.
Source: pureLiFi press release