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.

我们认为移动的通信是理所当然的。 鉴于移动的设备已经渗透到我们的日常生活中的程度，我们期望能够在任何地方拨打电话或建立宽带数据链路。 然而，在许多环境中，射频（RF）通信是低效的或不可能的。 在传播环境中的衰减，能源效率的限制和射频干扰可以使无线电系统无法使用。我们的研究计划开发使用光学而不是无线电频率的无线通信系统。 光无线连接提供便宜，节能的宽带通信信道，不受射频干扰或干扰，并且没有频谱许可要求。在这个项目中，我们将为三个光无线应用开发信息理论，实用算法和原型。天基光学无线技术可以比射频技术更有效地提供卫星之间、地面和深空的宽带连接。 我们将考虑微型和纳米卫星星座的信道建模，容量和信令设计，这些卫星星座由于其尺寸和能量限制而没有精确的平衡环。 此外，该计划将开发通信算法和蓝绿波段水下光链路的基本限制，其中RF传播受到严重限制。 我们将开发新的信道模型，MIMO架构和混合光/声通信链路。 最后，我们将开发利用现有LED照明基础设施的节能光学无线系统。 这些可见光通信（VLC）系统是实现超密集物联网（IoT）的重要组成部分，其中无线电链路由于干扰而受到限制。 我们将开发新的原型，能源感知上行链路和算法，以提高此类链路的频谱效率。鉴于在这些具有挑战性的场景中提供连接的替代技术很少，该研究计划有可能提供有影响力的贡献。 此外，这个研究计划的成果是理想的调整到加拿大的情况下。 例如，使用带有激光通信链路的小型卫星集群来扩大地球静止轨道卫星的覆盖范围，可以成为监测我们广阔的北极地区或向北方人民提供宽带的一个关键工具。 鉴于加拿大拥有丰富的自然资源，水下光学链路对于实现安全应用和海洋生物友好型数据链路至关重要。 可见光通信对于密集的室内物联网部署至关重要，符合加拿大通信网络创新的传统。 该项目将为加拿大提供必要的知识和HQP，以领导下一代宽带接入技术的商业化。