OPTICAL/RADIO LOCAL ACCESS NETWORK

摘要

A system that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a central controller that executes instructions facilitating performance of operations including monitoring multiple network nodes, at least some of the network nodes being in communication with others through respective point-to-point links. Each point-to-point link includes a respective free space optical channel. The central controller detects optical received signal strength of a free space optical channel falling below a certain level and provides control signals to reconfigure the multiple network nodes. Signals are re-routed along one of the respective point-to-point links through other network nodes responsive to detecting the optical received signal strength falling below the certain level Other embodiments are disclosed.

主权项

1. A communication node comprising:
a free space communication device to selectively communicate with a first network node of a plurality of network nodes by way of a free space optical channel; a radio frequency communication device to selectively communicate with the first network node by way of a radio frequency channel; a signal monitor; and a switch in communication with the free space communication device, the radio frequency communication device and the signal monitor, wherein the switch selects between reception from the free space optical channel and the radio frequency channel; and wherein the signal monitor is in communication with each of the free space communication device and the radio frequency communication device to monitor a first signal strength of the free space optical channel and a second signal strength of the radio frequency channel, wherein the signal monitor issues commands to the switch to select the free space communication device if the first signal strength is greater than the second signal strength, and command the switch to select the radio frequency communication device if the second signal strength is greater than the first signal strength.