Beam steering application for W-band data links with moving targets in 5G wireless networks

Abstract

Ubiquitous broadband Internet access is one of the major goals of the next generation of wireless communications. However, there are still some locations where this is difficult to achieve. This is the case on moving vehicles and, particularly, on trains. Among the possible solutions to this problem, RoF (Radio-over-Fiber) architectures have been proposed as low-latency, cost-effective candidates. Two elements are introduced to extend the RoF approach. First, the carrier frequency is raised into the W-band (75-110 GHz) to increase the available capacity. Second, a mechanical beam-steering solution based on a Stewart platform is adopted for the transmitter antenna to allow it to follow a moving receiver along a known path, thereby enhancing the coverage area. The performance of a system transmitting a 2.5 Gbit/s non-return-to-zero signal generated by photonic up-conversion over a wireless link is evaluated in terms of real-time BER (Bit Error Rate) measurements. The receiver is situated in different positions, and the orientation of the transmitter is changed accordingly. Values below the forward error correction limit for 7% overhead are obtained over a range of 60 cm around a center point situated 2 m away from the transmitter.

Millimeter Wave Hybrid Photonic Wireless Links - Also for Broadcast?

“…If larger distances must be covered, mm-wave links with beamsteering may be used to broadcast to users located closely to each other and potentially moving at the same speedsuch as for providing live onboard entertainment to a train or bus. In such a scenario the required coverage area is small enough to be covered with a single or very few beams, while covering a significant number of users and with beam steering required only at the speed of the moving vehicle [15]. Alternatively, ultra fast beamsteering or -switching can allow sharing of resources between unicast and multicast through time division multiplexing or allow broadcast through scanning of the broadcast area [16].…”

High-Speed Wireless Access in Forested Rural Areas Using Analog Radio-over-Fiber Technology

“…A leading method for the mmwave generation is based on radio-over-fiber (RoF) links, providing wireless access to base stations over long distances. A Ka-band RoF link is demonstrated based on incoherent heterodyne photonic upconversion supported by two independent light sources [1]. The optical signal modulation is provided by a commercial small form-factor pluggable (SFP+) module increasing the cost efficiency of the setup [2].…”