Wireless optical communications system

• Grant number: 02/08092-7
• Support type: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Duration: March 01, 2004 - September 30, 2008
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Telecommunications
• Principal researcher: Elso Luiz Rigon
• Grantee: Elso Luiz Rigon
• Company: Fiberwork Comunicações Ópticas Ltda
• City: Campinas

Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop in Brazil fiber-less optical communications systems. Communications systems for applications in telecommunications access networks, cell phone backhaul networks, interconnection between company LANs and internet access providers. The system will operate at a transmission rate of 2 megabits per second (Mb/s), in the window of 1550 nm, with reach from 500 meters (phase 1 of the project) up to 4 kilometers, with 98 per cent availability. In the future, systems with higher rates, such as 8 Mb/s and 34 Mb/s will be developed. Free Space Optics (FSO), or optical communication without fiber, is growing and will occupy a prominent position in the next few year, as it transforms itself into the main alternative to broadband access in metropolitan environments. Probably, it will surpass radio systems and, in many situations, fiber optics. FSO systems of higher rates are more competitive today, since the alternative would be fiber, which is much more expensive and involves licenses and high installation risks. Low rate FSO systems could also enjoy similar success. In this case, they would unseat radio access systems. It is in this niche that FiberWork seeks to position itself with the proposal of this technological development project. The rate of 2 Mb/s (E1) was chosen for the initial project in response to market demand. (AU)