Designed by researchers at Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications (NJUPT) in China, the mobile complete-mapping optical system facilitates two-way data transmission in real time within and across communication networks, regardless of their environment (see video).
The system integrates Wi-Fi and optical fiber, combining mobile and fixed nodes as well as wired and wireless communication. Each communication node features fully symmetric, equipotential, and decentralized characteristics. Yongjin Wang, a professor at NJUPT, explains this work “mathematically demonstrates the existence of complete-mapping paths between one node and other arbitrary nodes in the equipotential network.”
“It laid the theoretical foundation for the complete-mapping optical communication network across space, air, and sea environments,” Wang says.
How it works
The network can function as a closed-loop light communication system that features automatic failover mechanisms for uninterrupted performance. It can also independently address challenges in diverse scenarios, while achieving comprehensive coverage, high robustness, and strong resistance to electromagnetic interference for more efficient and reliable data transmission.
It’s integrated with full-duplex green light communication with light sources of varied wavelengths based on the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) and brought together with blue laser communication to boost data exchange between underwater vehicles. The team relied on an 850-nm laser diode communication system to receive data, and a deep ultraviolet (UV) light communication system for wireless data transmission, which eliminates solar radiation interference.
The new network also features image recognition and tracking technologies, as well as optical fiber and Wi-Fi.
“To the best of our knowledge, no prior work has reported a mobile optical communication network that integrates optical fibers with mobile light communication systems across diverse environments,” Wang says. “Existing optical communication networks largely rely on centralized architectures, where the failure of a critical link can disrupt data exchange.”
The team addressed that challenge via the all-light communication network that merges wired modes with wireless moving and fixed nodes, using light sources across multiple wavelengths. Their complete-mapping network architecture enables seamless and balanced data flow between nodes that support real-time bidirectional communication.
“This design enables simultaneous information sending and receiving within the mobile light communication system—without concern for link failures,” Wang says. “This enhances the efficiency and autonomy of data exchange and strengthens the robustness and fault tolerance of the system.”
In the pipeline
Wang says the team’s next step with this work will focus on strengthening security by incorporating coding and encryption algorithms to quickly detect and fix light communication link failures. They’re also working to create a multimodal complete-mapping network that integrates acoustic, optical, and electrical communication and sensing modes, which should enable seamless interconnection across diverse environments.
The researchers say that as artificial intelligence transitions from cloud to edge devices, the fully symmetric, equipotential, and decentralized design of the complete-mapping optical communication network can help each node to function as an independent data center to support autonomous decision making without centralized infrastructure.
“This architecture facilitates advanced all-light information processing and computing systems to ensure seamless connectivity and robust performance across diverse environments,” Wang says, “while providing the foundation for next-generation AI applications that require real-time distributed intelligence in challenging conditions.”
FURTHER READING
L. Wang et al., Opt. Express, 32, 9219–9226 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.514930.
Justine Murphy | Multimedia Director, Digital Infrastructure
Justine Murphy is the multimedia director for Endeavor Business Media's Digital Infrastructure Group. She is a multiple award-winning writer and editor with more 20 years of experience in newspaper publishing as well as public relations, marketing, and communications. For nearly 10 years, she has covered all facets of the optics and photonics industry as an editor, writer, web news anchor, and podcast host for an internationally reaching magazine publishing company. Her work has earned accolades from the New England Press Association as well as the SIIA/Jesse H. Neal Awards. She received a B.A. from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.