Fast handover mechanism for high data rate ground-to-train free-space optical communication system

Abstract

We developed a fast handover mechanism using a high-speed image sensor for a high data rate ground-to-train free-space optical communication system in order to achieve a continuous communication between passengers and the Internet. Using the new handover mechanism, we were able to achieve handover time of 21 milliseconds in the best case, which is short enough to offer live streaming Internet services such as Skype, YouTube, and Internet Radio.