An Integrated WiFi and Free-space Optic Communication System (WiFIFO)

 

Technology Description

 

In addition to normal WiFi transmission, a network of FSO transmitters can be placed in appropriate spots in a room to provide local high-rate FSO transmissions. The system monitors and manages the connections based on the FSO and WiFi channel conditions. The feedback information from the receiver to the AP is sent via WiFi channel. The movement patterns and locations of a user, relative to the transmitters, determine the amount of additional FSO bandwidth for the user. This alleviates the stress of how much bandwidth is going over the WiFi transmission, leading to faster WiFi speeds for all users.

 

Features & Benefits

 

  • Faster Internet speeds for all users
  • No peak-time overload issues
  • Better connectivity

 

Applications

 

  • Schools
  • Workplace
  • Hotels and Airports

 

Background of Invention

 

TYPICAL WIFI networks can theoretically operate at a rate of 54 Mbps, but realistically their speed is only a fraction of that number, usually somewhere between 5 and 15 Mbps. Slower WiFi often comes down to one problem: overload. Limited wireless capacities cannot provide adequate bandwith for many scenarios, particularly when there are multiple users. Researchers at Oregon State University have designed a way to enhance wireless capacity using complementary FSO technology which does not interfere with the WiFi transmission bands. This combination solution is called WiFiFO. When combined with the existing high-speed Ethernet infrastructure, current FSO technology combined with WiFi could provide a typical bandwidth of 50 Mbps per user via local transmissions.

 

 

Status

 

This invention is currently in the design phase, and will be built and tested in the near future. Drawings may be available upon request.

 

Patent Information:
Title App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Expire Date
Increasing Data Bandwidth To Wireless Devices Utility United States 14/857,676 9831954 9/17/2015 11/28/2017 9/17/2035
Tech ID:
OSU-14-52
Contact:
John Sweet
IP & Licensing Manager
Oregon State University
john.sweet@oregonstate.edu
Inventors:
Thinh Nguyen
Alan Wang
Keywords:
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