IMDEA Networks Showcased Their LiFi and 6G Research Labs To 60 Students
Credit to IMDEA Networks
Spanish research institute showcases LiFi communication technology and next-generation wireless innovations to vocational training students
In an inspiring display of academic outreach, IMDEA Networks Institute welcomed approximately 60 vocational training students from IES San Juan de la Cruz and Colegio Valle del Miro to explore three of its most advanced research laboratories. The visit offered students a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technologies that will shape tomorrow's connected world.
Pioneering the Networks of Tomorrow
The day began with an exploration of the NEXTONIC laboratory, a collaborative venture between IMDEA Networks and telecommunications giant Telefónica. This facility serves as a crucial testing ground for next-generation network technologies, particularly focusing on LiFi, 6G development and other emerging communication innovations.
Senior Research Engineer Ignacio Berberana and Systems Administrator Neftalí González guided students through real-world applications and practical case studies, demonstrating how theoretical research translates into the network infrastructure of the future. The lab's work is particularly significant as the telecommunications industry begins laying the groundwork for 6G networks, which promise to revolutionise connectivity beyond current 5G capabilities.
LiFi Technology Takes Center Stage
Perhaps the most captivating demonstration occurred in the LiFi laboratory, where students witnessed visible light communication (VLC) technology in action. This innovative wireless communication method uses light instead of traditional radio signals to transmit data, representing a potentially game-changing alternative to conventional wireless technologies.
The hands-on demonstration, led by PhD student Freddy del Ángel, research engineer Fernando González, and Post-Doc researchers Edson Dos Santos and Luca Santoro, showcased the complete LiFi process. Students observed how a system captures real-time video, converts it into digital data, transmits it through a focused light beam, and reconstructs the original information on a receiving screen.
This technology holds particular promise for environments where radio frequency communication faces limitations, such as hospitals, aircraft, or areas with heavy electromagnetic interference. The ability to provide high-speed data transmission through existing lighting infrastructure could revolutionise how we think about wireless connectivity.
Millimeter-Wave: The Sensing Networks of the Future
The tour continued in the millimeter-wave laboratory, where research engineer Anthony Sánchez introduced students to the fundamentals of high-frequency communication technology. Beyond traditional data transmission, Sánchez explained how his team's 6G research is developing networks that function as environmental sensors.
These advanced systems will not only provide enhanced connectivity but also serve as sophisticated detection platforms capable of monitoring movements, objects, and environmental variables in real-time. This dual functionality represents a significant evolution from current network paradigms, transforming communication infrastructure into comprehensive sensing ecosystems.
Learning Through Play: The Teleco Renta Challenge
The educational experience concluded with an engaging escape room activity called "Teleco Renta," themed around telecommunications concepts. This interactive challenge allowed students to apply their newly acquired knowledge while developing problem-solving skills and teamwork abilities in an entertaining environment.
The gamified approach to learning reinforced the day's technical concepts while demonstrating the creative and collaborative aspects of telecommunications research and development.
Inspiring the Next Generation
This outreach initiative reflects IMDEA Networks' commitment to inspiring the next generation of telecommunications professionals. By providing hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research, the institute helps bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application, potentially influencing students' career paths toward emerging technology fields.
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve rapidly, with LiFi, 6G, and sensor-enabled networks on the horizon, initiatives like this ensure that upcoming professionals understand both the technical possibilities and real-world applications of these breakthrough technologies.
The success of this outreach day demonstrates the value of making advanced research accessible to students, fostering interest in STEM fields, and building connections between academic institutions and future talent in the telecommunications sector.
For more updates on LiFi technology developments and emerging wireless communication innovations, stay tuned to LiFi Tech News.
