Hybrid Optical Wireless Network

The objective of this Phase I program is to provide an optical wireless network based on the use of modulated illumination as the information carrier. Existing Talking Lights technology will be expanded to increase bandwidth and achieve two-waycommunication. The system is very inexpensive because it creates the communication network using existing lights and lighting fixtures and only requires replacement of fluorescent light ballasts to implement the network. This Phase I program willdevelop a prototype hybrid optical wireless network (HOWN) transmitters and receivers which will combine optical and RF communications systems to enhance the capabilities of each. The capabilities of HOWN will be evaluated and demonstrated. In PhaseII, minaturized HOWN stationary and mobile transceivers will be designed and built , and then the HOWN network demonstrated and evaluated in actual ship-board installations. Phase III will involve the commercial manufacture and sale of HOWN devices foroperational use. Transceivers developed in this project will be installed on operational surface vessels to provide enhanced functional communication capability at low cost. The same wireless technologies should also be of commercial value in submarines, aircraft,buses and autos. Hybrid wireless technologies should provide new communication technology and the HOWN transceivers will be commercial products.