An alternative access technology for next generation networks based on full-optical wireless communication links

Abstract

In order to provide telecommunications services in the envisaged next generation network (NGN), a packet based network utilizing multiple broadband, QoS-enabled transport technologies and in which the service related functions are independent of the underlying transport related functions is required. Optical wireless communication (OWC) systems will play an important role as alternative broadband access technology in the emerging NGNs. We have developed a revolutionaiy new full-optical wireless communication (F- OWC) system which operates by directly propagating an optical beam from a fiber termination point through free-space using a F-OWC transceiver. At the receiving end a corresponding transceiver directly couples the free-space propagated optical beam into an optical fiber connection port. In this paper we present the design concept and highlights of this new F-OWC system utilizing an innovative technology for seamless coupling a free-space propagated optical beam to a fiber. Experimental results, based on a prototype system, demonstrate that the system is capable of offering stable, error-free transmission at multiple giga-bit per second data rates over extended periods of time.