First Mile Access Networks and Enabling Technologies

Tracking and Acquisition

To reduce geometric path loss, the receiver needs to align the beam in the transmitter path to collect maximum beam power. Even though FSO operations are limited to within a few kilometers (line of sight), it is not easy to align the beam perfectly due to multiple external unbalanced forces acting on the transmitter and receiver. Tracking and acquisition techniques are used to align the signals perfectly and reduce path loss. The methods for tracking include the use of servo motors, stepper motors, mirrors, and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMSs).

An auto-tracking feature automatically realigns the receiver if the equipment premises shift slightly due to environmental factors—such as swaying of equipment premises ...