Lamps Internet data ceiling

Flickering ceilings are often annoying, but in downtown offices in St Cloud, Minnesota, they are actually an Internet connection.

Light bulbs transmit data to computers specially equipped on the lower desks by blinking fast to the unnoticed.

This new technology can mitigate radio network jamming by opening new highways for near-field communications.

Ceiling lights are used to transfer Internet data. (Photos: Internet)

The LVX system places beams of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at the bulb's tail. LEDs transmit encrypted messages to special modems attached to computers. A light bulb on the modem responds to the light bulb on top, where the sensor receives the signal back and transmits data to the Internet. The first generation of LVX systems will transmit data at speeds of around 3 megabits per second, fast by the home DSL line.

Mohsen Kavehrad, a research engineer in optical networking, said the method could be an important addition to the existing wireless system. He says the radio spectrum used for short-range data transfers, such as WiFi, is increasingly overloaded, which can lead to slower connections.

Meanwhile, LVX general manager John Pederson said a second-generation system would be launched within a year that would allow speeding up commercial WiFi networks. It will also allow the light bulbs to be programmed to change the intensity and color.