BridgeComm, a leader in optical wireless communications, announced it has developed high-speed optical communications of speeds beyond 100GB per second and will offer point-to-point demos at the Hampton Inn in Sneads Ferry, NC, in conjunction with a global conference April 6-15. This project, which has already confirmed 100gbps connectivity in the lab, is enabled by BridgeComm’s extensive work in free space optical technology and Nokia’s network equipment and services backed by Nokia Bell Labs.
BridgeComm is making cost-effective modular and scalable communications solutions, providing ultra-high-speed throughput with a faster, more secure network optimized for multiple domains. This project also aims to expedite a quicker adoption of 5G networks with a reach to provide wireless access in rural communities.
BridgeComm and Nokia will leverage existing commercial technology to design, construct and operate a private wireless network. The largely virtualized network will be based on standardized 3GPP architectures and allow for a cost-efficient yet highly scalable network testbed that will enable rapid experimentation of applications. Each connected private wireless location will benefit from extremely high data transfer rates, lower latency, and a resilient backhaul that is LPD/LPI and independent of allocated and costly spectrum requirements.
SOURCES- Bridgecomm
Written By Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture.com
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Isn't that the same what Optipulse got already running on a small cheap chip as pilot project at a college campus?
By the way, this uses low powered lasers in the near infrared spectrum, so shouldn't cause eye or skin damage.
This has been proposed for a while. Basically using lasers to transmit signals through the air instead of Radio Frequency (RF) or Fiber. Lots of problems to overcome, including rain and fog, (well, rain not really a problem for Free Space Optical (FSO), but fog is, fog not really a problem for RF, but rain is, so a hybrid system, RF coupled with FSO, looks really attractive). By the way, this announcement is mainly an outdoor solution. Indoor solutions have different problems.
FSO is almost unlimited in data throughput, but requires ultra-precise pointing, tracking, and receiving equipment. The sway of buildings due to wind loading, or minor earthquakes can cause loss of signal (due to receiver movement). Even atmospheric turbulence can cause loss of signal.
Breakthroughs in optical beam forming and waveforming have helped aiming (pointing) tremendously. Complex error correction algorithms (way beyond my ability to digest) have also contributed mightily.
Using FSO to replace RF and Fiber (for both backhaul and fronthaul) is a gamechanger for 5G networks, and for a faster, wider, and more robust internet in general. It's lower costs than laying fiber and its longer throw length than RF waves are very attractive. Let's hope BridgeComm delivers and is successful.
Wonder what the rain fade looks like…
Also, which is it, 100gbps or 100GBps (800gbps)?
So, not a resuscitation of Li-Fi.
Am interested in range and signal degradation in inclement weather. Might be an interesting alternative for rural areas in hilly terrain. I'm imagining an omnidirectional optical receiver and beacon on top of the highest peak, and everyone within line of sight having a receiver and transmitter pointed at them.