| 摘要 |
This invention is a broadband digital communication system that uses a mulitplicity of interconnected base stations (20) with multi-beam antennas. The multi-beam antennas consist of lenses (47) and reflectors (40) with an array of optical transmitters (48) and receivers (46) at the focal surface (24) of the antenna. The invention enables local optical coverage of an area with broadband communications through free space. Individual users can purchase end user optical communication link equipment and connect to the system by attaching an end user antenna to a fixed mount and pointing the antenna at a base station nearby. The User then logs onto the system using a computer and an industry standard Internet browser interface. The invention includes simplified installation procedures and service subscription processes. These result in the delivery of cost effective broadband services requiring little or no effort on the part of the system operator to add new customers. The invention provides broadband communications services using multipoint distribution of optical signals through free space and using base stations (20) that are small, easy to install, low power, and inexpensive. Each base station provides coverage for a small segment of the system's coverage area with a wide view optical antenna, and providing connectivity for fixed location customer equipment to all manner of telecommunications systems and services. Mobile Users can also operate over the system, which automatically tracks and compensates for User movement. |
