Gigabit optical wireless for a Home Access Network

Abstract

Future Home Access Networks (HANs) should operate at Gbit/s and provide data services that are as straightforward to use as an electrical outlet or any other utility. This is an extremely challenging goal, and an EU funded project 'Home Gigabit Access Networks' (OMEGA) aims to achieve this. In this project a significant part is to realize bi-directional Gigabit infrared (IR) optical wireless communications. In this paper we introduce the overall approach to the HAN, and outline the challenges and approaches required to implement these IR Gigabit links. Results from a proof-of-concept 1.25Gbit/s light-of-sight (LOS) IR link are shown, as well as designs for the first IR link demonstration.