Secure wireless breakthrough: pureLiFi expands Kitefin XE LiFi platform beyond national security use

Optical wireless innovator pureLiFi has officially launched Kitefin XE, the latest and most advanced version of its secure LiFi communication platform, expanding availability from its initial deployment within the U.S. National Security ecosystem to global government, military, and commercial clients.

Designed to deliver ultra-secure, high-capacity wireless communications using invisible light rather than radio frequencies, Kitefin XE addresses the growing global demand for jam-resistant, RF-immune connectivity infrastructure. This next-generation platform sets new performance benchmarks for LiFi, offering gigabit data speeds, ultra-low latency, and seamless integration with standard network protocols.

Originally developed for defence and intelligence applications in partnership with strategic investor In-Q-Tel (IQT), the system now enters general release amid heightened concerns over wireless network vulnerabilities, spectrum congestion, and electronic surveillance. pureLiFi’s expansion into the enterprise segment reflects a broader trend: light-based networking technologies are rapidly gaining relevance as mission-critical alternatives to WiFi in sensitive environments.

Why Kitefin XE marks a turning point for light-based wireless

Kitefin XE is the flagship evolution of pureLiFi’s Kitefin platform, which previously included Kitefin Tactical and Kitefin Office—solutions field-tested in large-scale deployments with the U.S. Army. Those systems demonstrated LiFi’s value in operational theatres where RF-based systems posed interception risks or could not function due to jamming or regulatory constraints.

Building on this foundation, Kitefin XE offers an enterprise-ready solution with a room-wide coverage radius of more than 80 square metres, Gbps-level throughput, and IEEE 802.11bb compliance, the international standard recently ratified for LiFi technology. It supports both ethernet and fibre backhaul, making it adaptable for diverse deployment scenarios across sectors such as defence, law enforcement, critical infrastructure, aerospace, and corporate cybersecurity environments.

What distinguishes LiFi from traditional WiFi or 5G is its use of invisible infrared light rather than RF signals. Because light does not penetrate walls and is inherently directional, LiFi provides natural spatial containment—a major benefit in preventing over-the-air data interception or leakage. It also avoids interference and congestion associated with RF spectrum, which has become increasingly saturated in urban and battlefield environments alike.

Strategic momentum: Backing from In-Q-Tel boosts defence credibility

pureLiFi’s development of Kitefin XE has been backed by In-Q-Tel (IQT), the non-profit strategic investor that supports the U.S. intelligence community and allied defence ecosystems. IQT’s role in scaling dual-use technology for national resilience lends credibility to Kitefin XE’s potential to become an industry standard in secure wireless networking.

“IQT is excited to support the broader launch of Kitefin XE,” said Clayton Williams, Managing Director at In-Q-Tel. “This innovation has the potential to transform how our partners approach wireless connectivity—and help enterprises stay secure in today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.”

pureLiFi’s CEO Alistair Banham echoed this view, stating, “Securing sensitive data, whether it’s critical to national security, protecting intellectual property, or safeguarding company data, is becoming increasingly challenging for both governments and enterprises. Kitefin XE will enable wireless communication in previously impossible scenarios and revolutionise how organisations think about deploying connectivity.”

IQT’s strategic interest is rooted in LiFi’s ability to enable air-gapped, non-RF-dependent wireless networks—ideal for installations such as embassies, military bases, black sites, or facilities where radio silence is required. The expansion into commercial markets suggests confidence in the technology’s maturity and performance reliability.

LiFi as a solution for spectrum saturation, jamming, and cybersecurity risk

As urban centers, government offices, and mission-critical zones face increasing RF congestion and signal security issues, the industry has begun looking beyond traditional wireless solutions. Analysts have noted that radio frequency infrastructure—even when encrypted—is still susceptible to signal detection, interception, jamming, and device tracking.

Kitefin XE answers these challenges through optical signal containment, offering physical-layer security features that are not possible with WiFi or 5G. In secure environments such as military bunkers or SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities), LiFi enables wireless functionality without compromising data integrity or operational stealth.

Moreover, LiFi’s low latency and high throughput make it ideal for real-time applications including mission coordination, command center displays, or remote access to encrypted data silos. The platform’s Gbps-class bandwidth allows for simultaneous use by multiple users or devices without dropouts or latency spikes.

The system’s adherence to IEEE 802.11 protocols ensures compatibility with existing network infrastructure and devices, making adoption smoother for enterprises accustomed to traditional wireless solutions.

Industry response and potential for enterprise adoption

Market response to Kitefin XE has been strongly positive in sectors already facing high compliance burdens around cybersecurity and data privacy. Analysts from defence technology research groups and enterprise IT strategy firms have noted that LiFi adoption is accelerating, particularly where companies must meet stringent internal or governmental security standards.

For example, firms in aerospace manufacturing, defence contracting, national research labs, and financial institutions with sovereign data protection requirements are now evaluating LiFi as a core infrastructure investment. These include facilities with strict RF shielding mandates or zones where wireless transmission must be physically isolated.

While pureLiFi is privately held, institutional interest in optical wireless communications has intensified. Over the past 18 months, venture capital flows and government procurement projects targeting LiFi solutions have increased in the UK, U.S., and select NATO member states. Industry watchers believe pureLiFi could either become an IPO candidate or a strategic acquisition target by larger defence electronics or networking firms.

LiFi industry trends and the road ahead for pureLiFi

According to projections by independent telecom consultancies, the global LiFi market—estimated at USD 400 million in 2024—could exceed USD 10 billion by 2030, driven by widespread adoption in defence, healthcare, aviation, and mission-critical enterprise.

The ratification of the IEEE 802.11bb standard in 2023 was a turning point, enabling interoperability between LiFi devices and broader network ecosystems. Combined with rising geopolitical instability, regulatory restrictions on RF emissions, and the push for zero-trust network architectures, these conditions are converging in favor of LiFi’s expansion.

For pureLiFi, Kitefin XE represents a technology inflection point. It not only validates light-based wireless as a defence-grade solution but demonstrates scalability to broader commercial and enterprise markets. Future variants of the Kitefin line may include miniaturized access points, AI-managed beam steering, or hybrid integration with satellite and RF fallbacks for ultra-resilient communications.

Institutional outlook: from mission-first to mainstream

While LiFi adoption began in specialised defence scenarios, the transition toward commercial viability is underway. The move from Kitefin Tactical to Kitefin XE shows how light-based systems can now fulfill enterprise-grade network requirements while offering enhanced security and performance. The fact that the U.S. Army was among the first to conduct large-scale deployment underscores the system’s robustness under operational stress.

Going forward, pureLiFi’s ability to maintain compliance with emerging defence, NATO, and enterprise cybersecurity frameworks will determine the pace of its expansion. If performance benchmarks hold, and if network integration remains smooth, Kitefin XE may soon be considered essential infrastructure in a world where RF is no longer trusted by default.

With increased attention from cybersecurity regulators, national critical infrastructure boards, and defence procurement officers, pureLiFi is positioned to lead this new era of secure, invisible-light wireless communication.