THE LAST MILE PROBLEM

The current fiber optic backbone runs to central offices in most of the large population centers in the US. There has been much work done to upgrade the fiber optic backbone by both extending its reach, and increasing its bandwidth. The high bandwidth capability of the fiber optic backbone of 2.5 Gbps to 10 Gbps has been achieved by improvements in switching and optical components, and with the implementation of technologies such as wavelength division multiplexing (WDM). Most of the recent large effort of digging up the ground and laying down new fiber has been directed towards extending the fiber optic backbone to new central offices, and not laying fiber directly to the customer. In fact, only 5% of all buildings have a direct connection to the fiber optic backbone.

However, more than 75% of all businesses are within a mile of the fiber optic backbone.

Data Flow Diagram

Light up optical bandwidth for your next generation wireless networks.Wireless mult-gigabit Ethernet links up to 8km

Lasercom has taken Free Space Optical (FSO) and wireless optical communications

a quantum leap forward in bandwidth, and distance.  When AOptix resolved the random unpredictable light scattering distortions caused by scintillation, the clear focus turned to straight attenuation factors related to weather.  Using real-time beam pointing and tracking for tower twist and sway and collimated beam control for extended reach, availability is significantly improved in severe weather conditions.Lasercom offers wireless networks the capacity equivalent of fiber cables. Whether it is multi-gigabit terrestrial links or secure private networks, the unique set of product features built into each of the AOptix products ensures top performance. Key features:•Long distance links for wireless backhaul up to 8km.

•Scalable capacity to 10 GigE & beyond.

•Real time compensation for tower twist & sway.

Breaking the Bandwidth BottleneckAOptix lasercom terminals provide solutions for backhaul aggregation hubs, loops, edge and metro rings, as well as enterprise LAN's between buildings and sites.  The bi-direction high capacity links can also support fiber-backbones as extensions or as emergency back-up links.  The interference-free operation provides true fiber equivalent performance for multiple applications.

The low profile, long distance, high capacity attributes of Lasercom offers diversified solutions for low profile pico-cells at street level, long distance backhaul aggregation hubs on towers, and high capacity metro rings on building rooftops.  The outdoor unit (ODU) requires 1 linear foot of tower space regardless of the required capacity.  As network demands increase, this unique product will continue to provide the best value, cost per Mbit solution year after year.

Availability is the performance measure for Lasercom:

Precision real-time active beam pointing ensures link stability under the worst case twist and sway conditions for utility poles, towers and building rooftops

Pre + Post Correction for atmospheric distortions caused by scintillation

Collimated Beam control for longer distances in severe weather conditions"Total Cost of Ownership" (TCO) is the financial measure for Lasercom:Small lightweight ODU includes semi-automatic link alignment for ease of installationLow profile configuration and energy efficient power rating ensures the lowest operating costsHitless capacity upgrades support new services without building additional infrastructure 

The new wireless Lasercom links backhaul multi-gigabit Ethernet payloads in either direction.  This cost effective solution eliminates fees for leased fiber, spectrum licensing, as well as building permits and construction costs for trenching fiber or additional wireless towers.

Laser Links 1.5 Mbps to 10 Gigabit speedsWhat is a Laser Link or FSO? Free-Space Optics (also known as FSO, Wireless Optics or Optical Wireless) is an optical data, voice and video transmission system. Like fiber optic cable, wireless optics communication systems use laser light to transmit a digital signal between two transceivers. However, unlike fiber, the laser like is transtmited through the air (free-space) instead of through a glass strand. In order for the digital signal to be transmitted and received, there must be clear line of site between each wireless optics unit. In other words, there should be no obstructions such as trees or buildings between the transceiver units.

Features of Laser LinksLeased line replacementCost Effective Fibre replacementHigh bandwidths available up to 10 GigabitLicence free operationCost effective solutionRapid deployment – less than a dayImmune from interference

12NOVASOL PROPRIETARY

TACTICAL OPTICAL FREE-SPACE COMMUNICATIONS

Technology provides broadband data transmission using infrared light on stationary or moving platforms› High Bbandwidth and un-detectability (compared to RF)› Invisible and eye safe

Major Programs› Dual Mode Optical Interrogator (DMOI) – NRL› Dynamic Optical Tags System (DOTS) – DARPA

Performance and Accomplishments› 10 Mbps at 3 km (retro-reflecting mode)› Tracking system for mobile tactical comm links with automatic

acquisition› First deployed end-to-end fully-tracking retro-reflecting system› 1-inch square, passive retro-reflecting optical tag for clandestine

interrogation

Powerful Laser Interrogator

Miniature Passive Remote Terminal

10 Mbps 1 Mbps

Optical Interrogator

13NOVASOL PROPRIETARY

TACTICAL OPTICAL FREE-SPACE COMMUNICATIONSCURRENT AND FUTURE INITIATIVES

622 Mbps at 20 km (Direct Mode ) Develop Hand-held and Airborne interrogator

versions Gimbal for fully-automatic tracking and

acquisition Miniaturized to support special operations Optical tags

Future applications› Data download from unmanned sensors› Direct air-to-air › Direct ship-to-ship› UGV hi-band communication

14NOVASOL PROPRIETARY

High Power Tactical EDFA

Erbium

Doped

Fiber

Amplifier (5 watts)

• High power 1.5mm Optical Amplifier• Small form factor• Transmitter for Optical Interrogator

NovaSol Optical Interrogator

NOVASOL PROPRIETARY 15

High Power Tactical EDFA: Objective

Today: 2 Watts using EMSP Technology *

*: Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NRL

Objective: 5 Watts • Small Form Factor for embedded applications• Computer Control and Monitoring (USB)• Automatic shut-off

NOVASOL PROPRIETARY 16

EMSP TechnologyInner-Clad

Outer-Clad (Buffer)

Double Clad Fiber

Single Mode Core (9um)

Multimode light propagating

Electrical Connections

Temporary short for ESD

protection

Thermistor connection Glass Substrate

Laser DiodeAnode Mount Cathode Mount

Fiber

125mm

NOVASOL PROPRIETARY 19

2W EDFA Optical Layout

NOVASOL PROPRIETARY 20

2W EDFA with Control Electronics

21NOVASOL PROPRIETARY

Proposed Technical Approach

1. From 2W to 5W Finding the optimum EDFA configuration using

Simulation and lab Experiment Evaluation of non-linearities (Expected to be a

limiting factor) Evaluating of different Double Clad Doped fibers Proof of concept: Building a optical gain block with

5W output power

2. Design the 5W EDFA Final optical configuration Control Electronics (with Monitoring and Computer

Control) Mechanical and packaging

3. Implementation Building the final EDFA Testing

22NOVASOL PROPRIETARY

Proposed Technical Approach

Specifications

Ytterbium co-doped Double Clad Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier Saturated output power up to 37 dBm (5 Watts) Bandwidth 1535-1570 nm High rejection of 1064nm for Eye safety and un-detectability Input and output monitor photodiodes Isolated input 635nm input [1] for system alignment Micro-Controller with USB interface for Control and monitoring Automatic shut-off function in case of disconnection of input power[2] Small form factor optimized for embedded applications >5% wall plug efficiency

23NOVASOL PROPRIETARY

Schedule and CostSchedule:

Task 1: Proof of concept 6 months 3/1/05 to 9/1/05Task 2: Design 3 months 9/1/05 to

12/1/05Task 3: Implementation 3 months 12/1/05 to

3/1/06

Cost: Labor $ 83,000Overhead (99%) $ 83,000Materials $ 51,000

Sub_total: $217,000G&A (16%) $ 35,000

Total: $252,000