Hybrid wireless optical and radio frequency communication link.

摘要

An apparatus for use in free-space communications comprises means for transmitting data in an active mode in an optical signal through a free-space optical path of a communication link extending across a terrestrial free-space region; means for detecting degradation of the optical signal due to weather conditions in the terrestrial free-space region; and means for automatically switching from the active mode to a standby mode upon optical beam degradation due to weather conditions in the terrestrial free-space region, wherein the standby mode includes transmitting data in a radio frequency (RF) signal through a free-space RF path of the communication link.