Conference proceeding
Indoor communications networks realized through hybrid free-space optical and Wi-Fi links
Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Vol.10559, pp.105590H-105590H-5
01/29/2018
DOI: 10.1117/12.2292292
Abstract
Recently, free-space optical (FSO) networks have been investigated as a potential replacement for traditional WiFi networks due to their large bandwidth potentials. However, FSO networks often suffer from a lack of mobility. We present a hybrid free-space optical and radio frequency (RF) system that we have named WiFO, which seamlessly integrates free-space optical links with pre-existing WiFi networks. The free-space optical link in this system utilizes infrared LEDs operating at a wavelength of 850nm and is capable of transmitting 50Mbps over a three-meter distance. In this hybrid system, optical transmitters are embedded periodically throughout the ceiling of a workspace. Each transmitter directs an optical signal downward in a diffuse light cone, establishing a line of sight optical link. Line of sight communications links have an intrinsic physical layer of security due to the fact that a user must be directly in the path of transmission to access the link; however, this feature also poses a challenge for mobility. In our system, if the free-space optical link is interrupted, a control algorithm redirects traffic over a pre-existing WiFi link ensuring uninterrupted transmissions. After data packets are received, acknowledgments are sent back to a central access point via a WiFi link. As the demand for wireless bandwidth continues to increase exponentially, utilizing the unregulated bandwidth contained within optical spectrum will become necessary. Our fully functional hybrid free-space optical and WiFi prototype system takes full advantage of the untapped bandwidth potential in the optical spectrum, while also maintaining the mobility inherent in WiFi networks.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Indoor communications networks realized through hybrid free-space optical and Wi-Fi links
- Creators
- Spencer Liverman - Oregon State UniversityQiwei Wang - Oregon State UniversityYu-Chung Chu - Oregon State UniversityAnindita Borah - Oregon State UniversitySongtao Wang - Oregon State UniversityArun Natarajan - Oregon State UniversityThinh Nguyen - Oregon State UniversityAlan X Wang - Oregon State University
- Contributors
- Benjamin B Dingel (Editor) - Nasfine PhotonicsKatsutoshi Tsukamoto (Editor) - Osaka Institute of TechnologySpiros Mikroulis (Editor) - Huawei Technologies
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding
- Publication Details
- Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Vol.10559, pp.105590H-105590H-5
- DOI
- 10.1117/12.2292292
- ISSN
- 0277-786X
- eISSN
- 1996-756X
- Publisher
- SPIE
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/29/2018
- Academic Unit
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Record Identifier
- 9984197107702771
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