Free space optical terminal with ad hoc network back-up and associated methods

摘要

A communication system includes a pair free space optical (FSO) terminals. The FSO terminals switch from a first operating mode to a second operating mode wherein the traffic is carried by an ad hoc network. The switching may be based upon a quality of service (QoS) parameter being exceeded. The first operating mode may be the primary operating mode, and the second operating mode may be the back-up operating mode.