Remote microwave observation systems over optical IP networks using a Digitized Radio-over-Fiber technique

A remote microwave observation system using a Digitized Radio-over-Fiber (DRoF) technique is proposed. Microwave conditions at remote places are intermittently converted to optical IP packets using a DRoF technique and transported to a microwave analyzing station (MAS) separated from the observation places over IP networks. Since the MAS centrally analyzes the remote multiple microwave conditions, it can use an advanced signal processing scheme and may reveal more information about the microwave condition. A Microwave/IP conversion Network Interface (MINI) to convert a detected microwave to optical IP packets and a MAS which is equipped with software-base microwave analyzing functions are newly developed. It is reported that the proposed microwave observation system can be the first practical system where a DRoF technique can be used. The idea to transport a target microwave condition along with the microwave from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites is also proposed.