Optical Wireless Communications - broadband connectivity in space, underwater and indoors

光无线通信 - 太空、水下和室内的宽带连接

• 批准号: RGPIN-2017-05763
• 负责人: Hranilovic, Steve
• 金额: $ 8.45万
• 依托单位: McMaster University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=752125
• 关键词: Optical; Wireless; Communications; broadband; connectivity

We take mobile communications for granted. Given the degree to which mobile devices have penetrated into our daily lives, we expect to be able to make a call or establish a broadband data link anywhere. However, there are many environments in which radio frequency (RF) communications are inefficient or impossible. Attenuation in the propagation environment, energy efficiency restrictions and RF interference can render radio systems unusable.Our research program develops wireless communication systems using optical rather than radio frequencies. Optical wireless links offer inexpensive, energy efficient broadband communication channels that are immune to RF interference or jamming and are free of spectral licensing requirements.In this project, we will develop information theory, pragmatic algorithms and prototypes for three optical wireless applications. Space-based optical wireless can provide broadband connections between satellites, to the ground and to deep space more efficiently than their RF counterparts. We will consider the channel modelling, capacity and signalling design for micro- and nano-satellite constellations that do not have precise gimbals due to their size and energy constraints. In addition, this program will develop communication algorithms and fundamental limits for blue-green band underwater optical links where RF propagation is severely limited. We will develop novel channel models, MIMO architectures and hybrid optical/acoustic communication links. Finally, we will develop energy efficient optical wireless systems that leverage existing LED lighting infrastructure. These visible light communication (VLC) systems form an important piece to enable an ultra-dense internet-of-things (IoT) where radio links are limited due to interference. We will develop novel prototypes, energy-aware uplinks and algorithms to improve the spectral efficiency of such links.This research program has the potential to provide impactful contributions given that there are few alternative technologies to provide connectivity in these challenging scenarios. In addition, the outcomes of this research program are ideally tuned to a Canadian context. For example, the use of small satellite clusters with laser communication links to extend the reach of geostationary orbiting satellites can serve as a key tool to monitor our vast Arctic or provide broadband to the peoples of the north. Given that Canada has a huge coastline rich in natural resources, underwater optical links are essential to enable security applications and marine-life-friendly data links. Visible light communications is essential to dense indoor IoT deployments and fits into Canada's tradition of innovation in communication networks. This project will provide Canada with the knowledge and HQP necessary to lead the commercialization of this next-generation broadband access technology.

我们将移动通信视为理所当然。 鉴于移动设备渗透到我们的日常生活中的程度，我们希望能够在任何地方拨打电话或建立宽带数据链接。 但是，在许多环境中，射频（RF）通信效率低下或不可能。 在传播环境中的衰减，能源效率限制和RF干扰可能使无线电系统无法使用。我们的研究计划使用光学频率而不是无线电频率开发无线通信系统。 光学无线链接提供廉价，节能的宽带通信通道，可免疫RF干扰或障碍，并且没有光谱许可要求。在本项目中，我们将针对三种光学无线应用开发信息理论，实用算法和原型。基于空间的光学无线可以比其RF对应物之间在卫星之间，地面和深空之间提供宽带连接。 我们将考虑由于其大小和能量限制而没有精确的gimbals的微型和纳米 - 卫星星座的通道建模，容量和信号传导设计。 此外，该程序将开发通信算法和蓝绿色频带水下光学链路的基本限制，其中RF传播受到严重限制。 我们将开发新颖的通道模型，MIMO架构和混合光学/声学通信链接。 最后，我们将开发节能的光学无线系统，以利用现有的LED照明基础设施。 这些可见的光通信（VLC）系统构成了一个重要的作品，以实现超密集的图像（IoT），其中无线电链接由于干扰而受到限制。 我们将开发新颖的原型，能源感知的上行链路和算法来提高此类链接的频谱效率。由于在这些挑战性的情况下几乎没有其他技术来提供连通性，因此该研究计划有可能提供影响力的贡献。 此外，理想情况下，该研究计划的结果已调整为加拿大背景。 例如，使用带有激光通信链路的小型卫星簇扩展了地静止轨道卫星的覆盖范围，可以作为监视我们巨大的北极地区或向北部人民提供宽带的关键工具。 鉴于加拿大拥有丰富自然资源的巨大海岸线，因此水下光学链路对于实现安全应用程序和对海洋生活友好的数据链接至关重要。 可见光通信对于密集的室内物联网部署至关重要，并适合加拿大在通信网络中的创新传统。 该项目将为加拿大提供领导这种下一代宽带访问技术的商业化所需的知识和HQP。