Architecture and operating experience for an optical wireless OC-3 network from the USS John C Stennis to a North Island pier-side facility

A ship-to-pier free-space laser OC-3 communications link was operated between the USS John C Stennis (CVN 74) moored pier-side, and the port operations building, at the US Navy North Island facility, in San Diego, CA during the period from February 11/sup th/, 1999 to March 23/sup rd/, 1999. Using autotracking to accommodate 8' tidal movement and some roll and yaw, this system provided reliable 99.92% error free availability with a severely error free second (SES) rating of 99.96% during the demonstration period. Supporting equipment included Lucent Technologies ATM access concentrators, UPS and remote monitoring equipment, and autotracking optical terminals from AstroTerra Corporation. This OC-3 system demonstrated the practicality of optical wireless technology as a network element, and enhancements are underway at Lucent Technologies Bell Labs for a 2.5 Gbps system.