Optical and RF combined link experiment (Invited Paper)

Abstract

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is developing a new and exciting communications capability through the Optical and Radio Frequency (RF) Combined Link Experiment (ORCLE) program. This program will develop and demonstrate a prototype system that combines free space optical and RF communications into a single networked system to provide compact, robust, high-bandwidth, mobile communications to military forces. ORCLE is a revolutionary approach to communications that will combine the high data rate capability of laser communications, the high reliability of RF communications, and clever network management to ensure high quality, reliable networked communications, even if some of the links are affected by atmospheric or physical obstructions. © (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.