RoFSO: A universal platform for convergence of fiber and free-space optical communication networks

The demand on capacity and quality offered over wireless communication links has pushed researchers to innovate new design methodologies and concepts over wireless systems and networks with the ultimate aim towards achieving a next generation network (NGN). Among the emerging technologies is the radio on free space optics (RoFSO) system described in this paper. With this technology it is possible to simultaneously transmit multiple RF signals comprised of various wireless services over FSO links using WDM technology. The technology can be applied as a universal platform for providing convergence of fiber and free-space optical communication networks extending broadband connectivity to underserved areas. We present the design concept and highlight some experimental results obtained from performance evaluation of the RoFSO system we have developed. The results demonstrate a satisfactory performance in terms of reliability and stability based on the quality metric parameters defined for the different RF service signals transmitted over the RoFSO system. Considering the potential of the RoFSO technology we propose a study for standardization work in the ITU as an initiative which can lead to its rapid adaptation.