Indoor hybrid infrared-radio access network

Abstract

A novel hybrid infrared-radio access network for indoor nano-cells is introduced, in which radio is used as a back-up if the infrared propagation path is inoperable due to incomplete coverage or shadowing. The proposed system is originated from the radio over fiber concept, associated with arrayed waveguide gratings (AWG) and subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) technologies, and capable of serving multiple users simultaneously with multi-services. A model is designed for the proposed hybrid infrared-radio access network, using the VPI software package to investigate the physical layer issues, with emphasis on modulation schemes. Physical characteristics of infrared channels using intensity modulation with direct detection (IM/DD) are presented. The performance of a hybrid infrared-radio AWG-SCM access network with 4 subcarrier frequencies, 2.4, 5, 17 and 24 GHz, using different modulation schemes is discussed in detail.