Feasibility of high-speed transparent photonic links in airborne free-space optical communication

Photonic high-capacity links have been identified as a key technology to meet future bandwidth requirement for airborne communication networks (ACNs), which is mainly driven by the increasing variety and volume of personal mobile applications and the demand for ubiquitous internet access. Today, the airline industry embraces SatCom, or cellular radio on continental routes, trying to keep up with the proliferation of wireless services. Airborne networking for large bandwidth over geographic distances has been envisioned as well. We see hybrid RF-optical networks as promising, with three key elements: agile free-space optical (FSO) high-capacity backbone and directive RF links for aircraft to participate with short-range limited-bandwidth capability, and high-altitude platforms (HAPs) as relay stations for permanent ACN-to-ground internet connectivity under all weather conditions.