Facebook improves laser sensors for next generation wireless networks that use free space optics

Facebook has developed new optical sensors that improve on the amount of data that can be transmitted by lasers over the air. Free space optics uses a transmitter and a detector placed in a straight line, to send a laser beam loaded with information, wireless, and across long distances. The new sensor also has a structure engineered to catch information passed using light from all directions. One of the problems with line of sight free space laser communications was that the receiver had to be closely tracked with the transmission beacon, and for most long distance applications, needed to be in a perfectly straight line. The detector offers speeds of up to 2.1 Gbps while still not being an intense laser beam that harms human eyes.

Free Space Optics are a great alternative to fibre optic lines, as well wireless communications systems based on radio frequencies. They are easier to set up than fibre optic cables in the ground that need trenches to be dug, permissions to be granted, and regulations to be followed. There is no need for environmental clearances as well. Radio does offer higher capacity, but at the same time, the spectrum is expensive, or there is not enough unlicensed spectrum space available.

Free space optical networks can be deployed cheaply, with little disturbance to the locality. It supports a wide range of technologies and protocols, so augmenting existing infrastructure is easy. Free space optics is very secure, as the narrow beam is hard to intercept. However, the signal quality is prone to get affected by weather conditions. Maintaining line of sight is a strict requirement. Facebook has improved the speed at which detectors can collect information. The omni-directional detector can process information coming from almost any angle.

Facebook’s technology can be used both indoors and outdoors, over short or long ranges. Enterprises, tech parks, business complexes and universities stand to benefit. Free space optical networks can be used to augment existing telecom infrastructure. It can provide a back up for fibre connections. Free space optics can be used for both realsing last mile connectivity, as well as improving backhaul networks. Facebook published its research in the scientific journal Optica .

The improvements in the laser technology can be used by Facebook’s drones , to deploy cheap internet in remote locations, where there is no high speed access. This is an alternative communications system and it allows end users to bypass telecom service providers entirely . The drones with lasers are not yet available for sale to third parties. Facebook can potentially sidestep any restrictive regulations on delivering internet service through these entirely new technologies.

The improved laser detectors are the latest in a series of announcements aimed at getting internet access to underserved areas. Facebook launched OpenCellular , an open source wireless platform just this month. Earlier this year, Facebook had announced terrestrial connectivity systems Terragraph and Project Aries , to improve connectivity in congested urban areas, and to augment existing infrastructure, including backhaul networks that funnel traffic from wireless and wired broadband subscribers to the National backbone. .