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fulafel
What's the difference between these and regular fiber optic transceivers, aren't they LEDs too?
teruakohatu
This is wireless. No wires or fiber cables. It is an alternative to RF which is susceptible to eavesdropping.
dfox
The idea that free space optics are somehow secure against eavesdropping seems to parallel 80's idea that you cannot practically tap into optical fiber. You still should encrypt the link if you at all care about its security.
fulafel
But what makes it work better outside fiber? LEDs by themselves are agnostic about the medium afaik. Maybe it's higher tx power in the noisier environment?
swiley
Can’t fiber optic transmitters blind you?
_trampeltier
Singlemode fiber does use a laser, not just a "normal" light source.
thombat
>> Radio frequencies are also susceptible to hackers who can intercept signals, Islim notes, whereas visible light could be protected by opaque objects.

So the security hinges upon it being easier to block visible light than more conventional radio signals. Seems that a fibre optic is still more secure and likely to achieve greater range for the same transmission power.

londons_explore
In 10 years, visible light frequencies will be regulated just like radio is today.

"Sorry, you can't flash a 630 nanometer orange light - only Comcast has a license to do that here".

"You can use the 611 nanometer yellow-orange band, but only if your light is dimmer than 5 watts and switches off within 1 microsecond when requested to do so by emergency services".

[dead] defectbydesign
So the guy discovered the fact that tiny LED can switch quicker like tiny speakers... Thank you Dr. OBVIOUS! :o)