Scalable, Hybrid Optical-RF Wireless Communication System for Broadband and Multimedia Service to Fixed and Mobile Users

This paper describes a system concept for providing, flexible high capacity multimedia communication that compliments terrestrial cellular communication systems, by supporting end-to-end broadband information services. A key element of the proposed concept is the use of optical HAP-HAP and HAP-satellite links using single color (SONET protocol based) or upon multicolor DWDM technology. The effectiveness of optical communication links is enhanced through the use of advanced optical fine pointing and tracking technology. A concept for a hybrid, optical-RF, HAP based wireless communication is presented and key technologies, capabilities and limitations are described.