Li-Fi Grathus®

Li-Fi Grathus® enables Ethernet over Optical Wireless Communications (OWC), delivering a high-performance, interference-free solution for industrial connectivity. As a transparent optical wireless link, the system transmits standard Ethernet protocols over light—without requiring any modification to existing network architectures.

Designed for demanding industrial environments, Li-Fi Grathus® supports Ethernet over optical links with data rates of 1 Gbps and beyond, combined with a range of up to 10 meters enabled by a high dynamic range optical system. Its ultra-low, deterministic latency (<<100 ns) is approximately 1000× lower than conventional wireless technologies such as 5G or Wi-Fi, ensuring precise real-time communication for automation, robotics, and machine control.

Li-Fi Grathus®  - Optical Wireless Link

Operating as a transparent Ethernet over optical wireless communications link, Li-Fi Grathus® allows seamless integration into existing networks. It supports leading industrial fieldbuses and Ethernet standards including Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherCAT G, and SERCOS III.

As a robust Ethernet over Li-Fi solution, the system provides bi-directional, full-duplex communication with complete immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). This makes it ideal for harsh and electrically noisy industrial environments, while ensuring stable and reliable data transmission.

Key Features

• Transparent Ethernet over optical wireless communications/link
• Data rate: ≥1 Gbps (Ethernet over optical links)
• Range: up to 10 m with high dynamic range
• Ultra-low, deterministic latency (<<100 ns, ~1000× lower than 5G/Wi-Fi)
• Bi-directional, full-duplex communication
• Compatible with industrial fieldbuses: Profinet, EtherCAT, EtherCAT G, SERCOS III
• Interfaces: 1000BASE-T (Ethernet), USB 3.0/3.1, and customized interfaces
• Additional side channel: 1 Mbit/s
• Laser Safety Class 1 (eye-safe operation)
• No interference (EMI-immune), robust, thermally stable design
• Compact Plug & Play system with easy alignment
• Physical size (L × W × H): 119 mm × 62 mm × 79 mm

Easy Integration and Industrial Deployment

Li-Fi Grathus® is engineered for fast and reliable deployment in industrial applications. Its compact, robust design combined with plug-and-play functionality minimizes installation effort and downtime. Easy alignment further simplifies setup, enabling rapid commissioning even in complex environments.

With flexible interface options and full compatibility as a transparent optical wireless link, Li-Fi Grathus® ensures scalable integration into modern industrial communication systems.

The Li-Fi Grathus® Evaluation Kit enables rapid deployment of Ethernet over Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) by directly replacing conventional Ethernet cables with a transparent optical wireless link. Designed for point-to-point (P2P) setups, the system provides reliable Ethernet over Li-Fi connectivity with data rates of up to 1 Gbps over distances of up to 5 meters.

Equipped with a standard RJ45 interface, the kit supports 1000BASE-T Ethernet, ensuring seamless integration into existing network infrastructures. As a transparent Ethernet over optical wireless communications link, it allows plug-and-play operation without requiring any configuration or modification of network settings.

The devices feature a compact, robust housing with a ¼” thread at the bottom, enabling flexible mounting and easy alignment for fast setup in industrial and laboratory environments.

Key Benefits

• Direct replacement of Ethernet cables using Ethernet over optical links
• Plug-and-play transparent optical wireless link
• 1 Gbps data rate via 1000BASE-T (RJ45)
• Reliable point-to-point communication up to 5 meters
• Easy mounting and alignment with standard ¼” thread
• Ideal for evaluation, prototyping, and industrial testing

The Li-Fi Grathus® Evaluation Kit includes:

• 2 × Li-Fi Grathus® devices with Ethernet (RJ45) connectors
• 2 × CAT5 Ethernet cables
• 2 × Power supplies
• User manual

Grathus®  is the basis of the Pharlan data light barrier. Learn more here.