Model of a Free-Space Optical Communication Line with a Smart Reflector

Abstract

The article considers a model of a free-space communication line between several closely located points on the terrain that are outside the line of sight. For the rapid deployment of communication lines with a range of up to hundreds of meters, any tall building visible to all callers can be a kind of optical signal repeater. Compared to radio communication channels, an optical communication line has a higher speed of information transmission, is insensitive to electromagnetic interference and is more protected from eavesdropping. To increase the range of the communication line and increase the signal to noise ratio, it is proposed to use a smart reflector based on the mirror of the two-axis scanner, the angular position of which is controlled by the microcontroller. The microcontroller receives information about the angle of incidence of the laser beam on the smart reflector in the form of photoelectric signals. These signals are formed by a position-sensitive photodetector and a lens in front of it. Depending on the angle of incidence of the laser beam, the position of the laser spot focused by the lens on the photodetector changes, and with it, both signals at its output. To facilitate the search of the smart reflector by transceivers, it is suggested to use an LED beacon in it.