Optical wireless networks with adjustable topologies
US6990350B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 9, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 26, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D30/70
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a free space communication network in which different communication nodes are linked together by directed beams, a method for dynamically configuring the topology of the network allows the transmission directions of the communication nodes to be autonomously changed to communicate with a new node as dictated by the needs of the network. Moreover, the nodes can be switched from directional to broadcast and back again on an as-needed basis. The network consists of a topology that can be rapidly and physically reconfigured as required to provide multiple connectivity, a desired quality of service, or to compensate with the loss of communication links between nodes. The loss of direct communication between any two nodes in an optical network can occur because of obscuration of the atmospheric path between the two nodes. The directed beam which provides the communication channel between the two nodes can, in this situation, be steered to direct its energy towards another accessible node.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.