Wireless access to ATM-networks based on direct-beam infrared links

For high speed and low-power wireless ATM-terminals with low mobility a system approach using direct-beam infrared (IR) links is proposed. We show that cell sizes, data-rates and power budgets comparable to mm-wave radio systems are possible. We suggest a technique to estimate direction-of-arrival which can be combined favourably with the proposed media access scheme. Calculations for the required optical power assuming a throughput of 500 Mb/s are presented.