Lightpointe Communications, Inc.

Gerald R Clark

Heinz Willebrand

The present invention provides a method and network for communicating over free space links. The network includes a plurality of buildings, each housing at least one of a residence and a business. Pluralities of free-space optical links are established, where each optical link is defined between two of the buildings, and data is communicated across the plurality of links. Each of the buildings includes a distribution system configured to receive the data communicated across at least one of the links and to distribute the data to an intended recipient. The plurality of optical links are configured to form a network topology providing alternate communication paths for at least two of the plurality of buildings and an external network is coupled with the optical communication network, wherein at least some of the data is communicated between the external network and the optical communication network.

Free space optical communication network

Optical signals are received from a free-space link by directing received light onto a plurality of microlenses and then directing light received through each of the microlenses into a respective single mode optical fiber (SMF). Light beams from the SMFs are combined into a single light beam in one SMF. The single light beam is amplified with a multi-wavelength fiber amplifier and attenuated with a variable optical attenuator. The power gain of the multi-wavelength fiber amplifier and the attenuation of the variable optical attenuator are controlled. The single light beam is directed into a fiber optic communication system that is optically coupled to the variable optical attenuator.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Gerald R Clark