Free-space-optical mobile ad hoc networks: Auto-configurable building blocks

Existence of line of sight (LOS) and alignment between the communicating antennas is one of the key requirements for free-space-optical (FSO) communication. To ensure uninterrupted data flow, auto-aligning transmitter and receiver modules are necessary. We propose a new FSO node design that uses spherical surfaces covered with transmitter and receiver modules for maintaining optical links even when nodes are in relative motion. The spherical FSO node provides angular diversity in 3-dimensions, and hence provides an LOS at any orientation as long as there are no obstacles in between the communicating nodes. For proof-of-concept, we designed and tested an auto-configurable circuit, integrated with light sources and detectors placed on spherical surfaces. We demonstrated communication between a stationary and a mobile node using these initial prototypes of such FSO structures. We also performed the necessary theoretical analysis to demonstrate scalability of our FSO node designs to longer distances as well as feasibility of denser packaging of transceivers on such nodes.

[1]  M. Naruse,et al.  Real-time active alignment demonstration for free-space optical interconnections , 2001, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[2]  Chi-Ho Chan,et al.  Optical wireless based on high brightness visible LEDs , 1999, Conference Record of the 1999 IEEE Industry Applications Conference. Thirty-Forth IAS Annual Meeting (Cat. No.99CH36370).

[3]  J. Kahn,et al.  Methods for crosstalk measurement and reduction in dense WDM systems , 1996 .

[4]  Shlomi Arnon,et al.  Communication performance analysis of microsatellites using an optical phased array antenna , 2003 .

[5]  M. Teich,et al.  Fundamentals of Photonics , 1991 .

[6]  Shlomi Arnon,et al.  Performance limitations of free-space optical communication satellite networks due to vibrations: direct-detection digital mode , 1997, Other Conferences.

[7]  Emmanuel B. Zyambo,et al.  High-speed integrated transceivers for optical wireless , 2003, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[8]  Srikanth V. Krishnamurthy,et al.  A broadband wireless access network based on mesh-connected free-space optical links , 1999, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[9]  Rui Valadas,et al.  Optical interference produced by artificial light , 1997, Wirel. Networks.

[10]  C. Lewis,et al.  Visibility and aerosol composition in Houston, Texas , 1982 .

[11]  K. Wilson,et al.  Earth-to-deep-space optical communications system with adaptive tilt and scintillation correction by use of near-Earth relay mirrors. , 1998, Optics letters.

[12]  D. R. Wisely,et al.  Optical wireless: the story so far , 1998, IEEE Commun. Mag..

[13]  Joseph M. Kahn,et al.  Analysis of infrared wireless links employing multibeam transmitters and imaging diversity receivers , 2000, IEEE Trans. Commun..

[14]  H. V. Hulst.  Light Scattering by Small Particles , 1957 .

[15]  B. Robertson,et al.  Design and construction of an active alignment demonstrator for a free-space optical interconnect , 1995, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[16]  Shlomi Arnon,et al.  Effects of atmospheric turbulence and building sway on optical wireless-communication systems. , 2003, Optics letters.

[17]  S. Arnon,et al.  Backscattering-induced crosstalk in WDM optical wireless communication , 2005, Journal of Lightwave Technology.

[18]  Rui L. Aguiar,et al.  Experimental characterization of rate-adaptive transmission and angle diversity reception techniques , 2003, IEEE Wirel. Commun..

[19]  Heinz Willebrand.  Free space optics , 2001 .

[20]  Barry G. Evans,et al.  Adaptive beam-size control scheme for ground-to-satellite optical communications , 1999 .

[21]  Isaac I. Kim,et al.  Wireless optical transmission of fast ethernet, FDDI, ATM, and ESCON protocol data using the TerraLink laser communication system , 1998 .

[22]  Shlomi Arnon,et al.  Performance limitations of free-space optical communication satellite networks due to vibrations-analog case , 1997 .

[23]  Isao Shirakawa,et al.  ASK digital demodulation scheme for noise immune infrared data communication , 1997, Wirel. Networks.

[24]  D. Kabal,et al.  Free space optical interconnect at 1.25 Gb/s/channel using adaptive alignment , 1999, OFC/IOOC . Technical Digest. Optical Fiber Communication Conference, 1999, and the International Conference on Integrated Optics and Optical Fiber Communication.

[25]  Joseph M. Kahn,et al.  Free-space optical communication through atmospheric turbulence channels , 2002, IEEE Trans. Commun..

[26]  Kumar N. Sivarajan,et al.  Optical Networks: A Practical Perspective , 1998 .

[27]  Rajiv Ramaswami,et al.  Optical Networks , 1998 .

[28]  D.V. Plant,et al.  Free-space optical link with spatial redundancy for misalignment tolerance , 2002, IEEE Photonics Technology Letters.

[29]  Vasileios Vitsas,et al.  Performance Analysis of the Advanced Infrared (AIr) CSMA/CA MAC Protocol for Wireless LANs , 2003, Wirel. Networks.

[30]  David J. Edwards,et al.  A cellular optical wireless system demonstrator , 1999 .

[31]  M. Hartmann,et al.  Light scattering by small particles. Von H. C. VANDE HULST. New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 1981. Paperback, 470 S., 103 Abb. und 46 Tab., US $ 7.50 , 1984 .

[32]  Joseph M. Kahn,et al.  Wireless Infrared Communications , 1994 .

[33]  William Perrie,et al.  Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System , 2006 .