A long distant communication link offering high reliability (<10-9 bit error rate), terabytes per second (TBPS) throughput, and energy-efficient transmission over fast time-varying channel for air platforms requires a combination of adaptive modulation, coding and diversity techniques. The accurate estimation of channel-state-information is critical for these adaptive schemes. Towards that goal, we propose a hybrid free-space optical (FSO)-RF links (HFRLs) with proven adaptive coding, diversities and modulations for TBPS throughput. The flexibility of the FSO technology allows it to be deployed at various points in the network. The proposed multidisciplinary research program aims at exploring the design, implementation, and testing of hybrid HFRLs. Although FSO technology can remedy the capacity bottleneck of RF technologies, its reliability is affected by atmospheric turbulence in clear weather and by low visibility in foggy conditions. RF signals are not impacted by these problems, suggesting a joint (complementary) operation of a hybrid FSO/RF link. Airborne platforms collect, process, and transfer large amount of data for battlefield and commercial applications including transportation, weather, agriculture, and law-enforcement. Communication links for transferring these massive data between integrated platforms and with ground stations are critical. The proposed HFRL-based communication represents the next generation air platform communication enabling technology with multi-TBPS throughput.
Benefits: This technology could be used by both civilian and military platforms that are earth or space-based.
Keywords: hybrid free-space optical, FSO/RF link, adaptive coding, diversities, adaptive modulation, TBPS throughput
