Studies on a Next Generation Access Technology Using Radio over Free-Space Optic Links

With the continuous emergence of new innovative wireless technologies, standards, services and applications, there is an increase demand for technologies, preferably broadband, for providing seamless connectivity between the various networks elements. This paper proposes an innovative Radio over Free-Space Optics (RoFSO) communication system having potential to be a cost-effective and reliable technology for bridging these various networks facilities. The proposed system can be utilized as a next generation access technology suitable for transmission of heterogeneous wireless service signals especially in areas which lack broadband connectivity. Using an experimental free-space optical (FSO) communication system capable of transmitting RF signals, we conduct initial investigations focusing on studying the deployment environment characteristics which influence the performance of RoFSO systems. Preliminary propagation measurement results characterizing the effects of atmospheric influence on transmission of RF signal using FSO links are presented. The results show that in the absence of strong atmospheric turbulence or severe weather conditions, RoFSO system can effectively be used as access technology for transmission of broadband heterogeneous wireless services signals.