The Optical & RF Combined Link Experiment

Data transmission using fiber optics offers significant improvements in network throughput rates. Although, optical fiber can transfer data at the rate of 1.6 Terabit/s per fiber ‐ using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technologies ‐ the need for pre‐laid infrastructure (optical fiber, network elements and significant network management) makes it more suitable for intercontinental backbones. Although Free Space Optical Communications (FSO) provides significant advantages for communication at the extremities of the network, the requirements of cloud-free line-of-sight (CFLOS) and perfect weather conditions prevent FSO alone from being a reliable military communications system. Hence, a hybri