System And Method Of High-Speed Wireless Communications Using Reflected Laser Light

Smart overview of the Invention

The disclosed system introduces a high-speed wireless communication method leveraging diffuse reflections of laser light, suitable for disaster-struck areas or locations with limited communication infrastructure. This approach, termed Non-Direct Line-of-Sight Free-Space Optical Communication (NLoS-FSOC), can function with or without drones, utilizing a diffuse reflector to establish a broadcast optical channel. The system significantly enhances the number of serviced stations and data rates compared to traditional RF-based methods while drastically reducing energy consumption.

Background

Communication systems are crucial during natural or human-induced disasters for gathering on-site information and coordinating response efforts. Traditional RF-based drone communications face limitations in bandwidth and operational duration, impacting their effectiveness in such scenarios. Existing solutions often rely on optimizing flight paths and serving policies to mitigate these issues, but a transformative approach is needed to extend operational time and enhance communication capabilities.

Technical Approach

The system employs NLoS-FSOC using laser light for high-speed communication relays. This method can be implemented autonomously or alongside existing RF systems for enhanced robustness. The use of diffuse reflectors as a broadcast ground enables the creation of an optical local area network (OLAN), facilitating communication between stations in line-of-sight with the reflector. This setup supports higher data rates and increased user capacity compared to conventional methods.

Drone Integration

Incorporating drones into this system allows for dynamic deployment in disaster zones. Drones can carry diffuse reflectors to create OLANs, acting as relays between ground stations and an optical base station (OBS). The RESTORE algorithm optimizes drone placement and access time allocation to maximize coverage and efficiency. This configuration supports more stations, aggregates higher data rates, and conserves energy compared to existing drone-assisted communication frameworks.

System Efficiency

The NLoS-FSOC framework offers substantial improvements in energy efficiency and data handling capabilities over traditional RF-based drone systems. By utilizing passive materials for diffuse reflectors and optimizing drone operations, the system reduces power consumption while enhancing communication reliability and speed. This innovative approach provides a scalable solution for emergency response communications, ensuring better connectivity in challenging environments.