Balloon Network with Free-Space Optical Communication between Super-Node Balloons and RF Communication between Super-Node and Sub-Node Balloons

摘要

Exemplary embodiments may involve hierarchical balloon networks that include both optical and radio frequency links between balloons. An exemplary network system may include: (a) a plurality of super-node balloons, where each super-node balloon comprises a free-space optical communication system for data communications with one or more other super-node balloons and (b) a plurality of sub-node balloons, where each of the sub-node balloons comprises a radio-frequency communication system that is operable for data communications. Further, at least one super-node balloon may further include an RF communication system that is operable to transmit data to at least one sub-node balloon, where the RF communication system of the at least one sub-node balloon is further operable to receive the data transmitted by the at least one super-node balloon and to transmit the received data to at least one ground-based station.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a plurality of first balloons configured as nodes in a balloon network, wherein each of the first balloons comprises a radio-frequency (RF) communication system that is operable for communications with at least one ground-based station via an RF link; and a plurality of second balloons configured as nodes in a balloon network, wherein each of the second balloons comprises a free-space optical communication system that is operable for data communications with one or more other second balloons via an optical link, and wherein at least one of the second balloons further comprises an RF communication system that is operable for data communications with at least one of the first balloons via an RF link.