Some people believe that electromagnetic radiation is causing them pain, discomfort and a host of diseases. Those people are just plain weird. But in case you feel that your wireless router is trying to kill you then you may be interested in some research which could turn your light bulbs into network access points instead.

Researchers at Boston University's College of Engineering is developing wireless communications technology based on visible light instead of normal radio waves.

The research is looking at piggybacking data on low-power light emitting diodes (LEDs). It is hoped that this "Smart Lighting" would be faster and more secure than current network technology.

"Imagine if your computer, iPhone, TV, radio and thermostat could all communicate with you when you walked in a room just by flipping the wall light switch and without the usual cluster of wires," said BU Engineering Professor Thomas Little.

"This could be done with an LED-based communications network that also provides light - all over existing power lines with low power consumption, high reliability and no electromagnetic interference. Ultimately, the system is expected to be applicable from existing illumination devices, like swapping light bulbs for LEDs."

More on next page....