802.11bb – the one that used light instead of radio

802.11bb is what happens when Wi-Fi says: “what if we ditch radio and go full laser?” this amendment, published in 2023, introduced **Light Communication (LC)** – sometimes also called **Li-Fi**, even though that term’s been floating around a while.

this ain’t sci-fi. 802.11bb uses **visible light, infrared, or near-infrared** to transmit data – like optical fiber but through air. ideal for places where RF is a problem (hospitals, airplanes, mines, secure facilities) or where super-low latency is key.

there's no official “Task Group bb” listed by name, but it was developed under the **IEEE 802.11 Light Communication Study Group** that later turned into a full amendment team.

how does it work?

• PHY: defines a new LC-PHY (Light Communication PHY) operating in the **800 nm to 1000 nm range** (near-infrared mostly)
• Data rates: 10 Mb/s to 9.6 Gb/s – depends on implementation, light spectrum, and modulation
• Modulation: mostly **On-Off Keying (OOK)** and **Variable Pulse Position Modulation (VPPM)** – optimized for LEDs and photodetectors
• Range: indoor, line-of-sight (but reflections can help). walls block it – but that’s also a privacy feature
• MAC-layer: still 802.11 MAC – so it can integrate with traditional Wi-Fi networks
• Devices: needs a transmitter (like an LED) and a photodetector receiver – think modded light fixtures or purpose-built access points

802.11bb is now part of the extended IEEE 802.11 family – but not yet in every device. still, it’s a solid step toward **high-speed, RF-free wireless networking** using light.

802.11bb is Wi-Fi that rides the lightwave. no radio. no interference. just fast, private data bouncing through the air – as long as you don’t walk in front of the beam.