High capacity optical wireless systems

The radio frequency spectrum is becoming highly congested which limits the network operators' ability to introduce new services. A potential solution is to use the optical spectrum. Optical wireless communication at the infrared wavelengths offers a number of advantages. These include an abundant unregulated spectrum, freedom from signal fading, security at the physical layer as optical signals do not penetrate opaque walls and the ability therefore to re-use the same wavelengths in adjacent rooms. These optical wireless systems however suffer a number of limitations including multipath propagation which results in pulse spread and reduces the achievable data rate; and suffer from interference due to day light and artificial lighting sources. This project will address these impairments and will evaluate the potential of high capacity optical wireless networks and optimum network architectures and protocols.