FREE SPACE FIXED AND MOBILE OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

This invention is a broadband digital communication system that uses a multiplicity of interconnected base stations (20) with multi-beam antennas. The multi-beam antennas consist of lenses (47) and reflectors (40) with an array of optical transmitters (48) and receivers (46) at the focal surface (46) of the antenna. The invention enables local optical coverage of an area with broadband communications through free space. Individual users can purchase end user optical communications link equipment and connect to the system by attaching an end user antenna to a fixed mount and pointing the antenna at a base station nearby. The User then logs onto the system using a computer and an industry standard Internet browser interface. The invention includes simplified installation procedures and service subscription processes. These result in the delivery of cost effective broadband services requiring little or no effort on the part of the system operator to add new customers. The invention provides broadband communications services using multi-point distribution of optical signals through free space and using base station (20) that are small, easy to install, low power, and inexpensive. Each base station provides coverage for a small segment of the system's coverage area with a wide view optical antenna, and providing connectivity for fixed location customer equipment to all manner of telecommunications systems and services. Mobile User can also operate over the system, which automatically tracks and compensates for User movement. L'invention porte sur un système numérique de communication à large bande utilisant plusieurs stations de base (20) interconnectées dotés d'antennes à faisceaux multiples. Lesdites antennes consistent en lentilles (47) et réflecteurs (40) intégrées à un réseau de réflecteurs optiques (48) et en récepteurs (46) disposés à la surface focale (24) de l'antenne. L'invention permet la couverture optique locale d'une zone par des communications à large bande en espace libre. Les utilisateurs individuels s'étant procuré des équipements optiques terminaux se raccordent au système en montant leur antenne sur une monture fixe et en la pointant sur une station de base proche, et y accèdent à l'aide de leur PC et des interfaces usuelles de navigation sur Internet. L'invention inclut des procédures simplifiées d'installation et de souscription de services, elle offre des services économiques à large bande et permet à l'exploitant du système de raccorder