Hybrid picocell communication system

Abstract

A free-space laser communication system. The system is comprised of a large number of picocells. Each picocell comprises a base station providing conventional communication with at least one user but typically several or many users. Each base stations comprise at least two laser transceivers each transceiver having a pointing mechanism for automatic alignment. These transceivers provide communication with other base stations, relay information between other base stations or transmit information to conventional communication systems. The picocells cover relatively small geographical ranges such as about 100 meters. Applicant has demonstrated that at these distances atmospheric effects attenuating laser beams are not a serious problem. In a preferred embodiment the base stations generally comprise four laser transceivers with micro processor controlled pointing equipment which are aligned automatically to point at other base stations and an RF transceiver to provide communication with users. The present invention is especially suited for providing a communication system, which can be almost immediately installed to compete with established local monopoly (or near monopoly) telephone systems. Systems according to the present invention can be installed within a few hours or a very few days. These systems can provide, for a local area, its first communication system, or provide communication services in a local area in the event an existing local system is damaged such as in a natural disaster or provide a quick temporary expansion of existing communication capacity.