Proposal of free space optical mesh network architecture for broadband access

A new broadband access network architecture is proposed by deploying free space optical (FSO) links in a mesh architecture, which could be an alternative solution to fiber-in-the-loop (FITL) applications. The basic service is extended through xDSL connections or radio air interface to home, SOHO and cooperation users and mobile users. The nodes are interconnected via short, highly focused free space optical links in a mesh arrangement. By this arrangement the high bandwidth requirements can be met. The availability of the links, architecture, traffic and economic aspects for this application are addressed in this paper.