Performance of a FSO augmented RF mesh network

Abstract

Combined RF and optical communication within a heavily scintillated atmosphere requires special modems that can accommodate significant signal fading. A hybrid network (10 Gbps 1550 nm FSO and RF transmission) has been developed and a link quality parameter is used to assist the network routers with the path cost calculation algorithm. Fading statistics, determined by field experiments, are emulated in the laboratory network by a statistically-driven VOA. COTS hardware (FEC and a special amplifier) enable a 35 dB dynamic range. The special modem and its performance within a multi-node network are presented.