Retrofitting FSO Systems in Existing RF Infrastructure: A Non-Zero Sum Game Technology

TL;DR

This paper explores integrating free space optics (FSO) with existing RF networks to enhance outdoor communication, discussing hardware, hybrid applications, and future research avenues in optical wireless communication.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive analysis of retrofitting RF infrastructure with FSO systems, highlighting hardware requirements, coexistence strategies, and potential for hybrid space communication.

Findings

Hybrid RF/FSO systems can improve outdoor communication reliability.

Commercial solutions for RF and FSO coexistence are reviewed.

Open problems and future research directions are identified.

Abstract

Progress in optical wireless communication (OWC) has unleashed the potential to transmit data in an ultra-fast manner without incurring large investments and bulk infrastructure. OWC includes wireless data transmissions in three optical sub-bands; ultraviolet, visible, and infrared. This paper discusses installing infrared OWC, known as free space optics (FSO), systems on top of installed radio frequency (RF) networks for outdoor applications to benefit from the reliability of RF links and the unlicensed broad optical spectrum, and the large data rates carried by laser beams propagating in free space. We equally review commercially available solutions and the hardware requirements for RF and FSO technology co-existence. The potential of hybrid RF/FSO for space communication is further discussed. Finally, open problems and future research directions are presented.