Testing of a compact 10-Gbps Lasercomm system at Trident Warrior 2017

摘要

Laser communications (Lasercomm) systems have gained increasing interest for both defense and commercial applications due to their ability to provide secure, long-distance, high-bandwidth communications on the move, without the need for RF spectrum management. This paper will present field test results from the U.S. Navy's Trident Warrior 2017 fleet exercise, where a compact Lasercomm system was evaluated. As compared to previously demonstrated long range Lasercomm terminals, this compact terminal design leverages simultaneous transmit and receive spatial diversity to mitigate scintillation fades in a smaller form factor. In addition, a 10 Gbps retransmission capability has been integrated and tested to assure error-free data transport even through short duration path blockages and optical fades. The system was operated at full functionality over seven test days with network traffic loads ranging from 1 - 7.5 Gbps in bidirectional configurations. The system was exercised to a line of sight limited range of 45 km and showed capability through haze and even some levels of fog on multiple days.