Edinburgh-based pureLiFi has rolled out a new wireless system that uses invisible light instead of radio waves to transmit data.
Called the Kitefin XE, the device supports high-speed connections across an access point of roughly 80 square meters (861 square feet).
Unlike traditional radio frequency-based systems, Kitefin XE is built for environments where jamming and detection are serious concerns, offering a more discreet alternative for secure communication.
It can also be configured for Ethernet or fiber connections when needed.
The company is backed by In-Q-Tel (IQT), a US-based nonprofit that invests in tech for national security agencies. While built with defense in mind, the system is also being offered to other government and enterprise users.
“This innovation has the potential to transform how our partners approach wireless connectivity — and help enterprises stay secure in today’s complex cybersecurity landscape,” said IQT Managing Director Clayton Williams.
Built for the Hard-to-Reach Spots
The Kitefin XE builds on earlier LiFi systems pureLiFi developed for defense use, including the Tactical and Office modules tested with the US Army in 2021.
It is designed for settings where physical cabling is impractical, and conventional wireless signals might be too risky or unreliable.
The company said the new device is certified under the IEEE 802.11bb standard and can transfer data faster than typical WiFi, while avoiding many of the vulnerabilities tied to radio-based systems.
“Securing sensitive data, whether it’s critical to national security, protecting intellectual property, and company data, is becoming increasingly challenging for both governments and enterprises,” pureLiFi CEO Alistair Banham said.
He added that Kitefin XE is meant to enable wireless communication in previously unreachable scenarios, giving users more confidence in today’s shifting security landscape.
