Develop, demonstrate on a large scale, and commercialise a novel 1Gbps high-speed wireless data-link using Free Space Optical technology

The overall aim of the proposed LawnHopper project is to develop, demonstrate on a large scale, and commercialise a novel 1Gbps high-speed wireless data-link using Free Space Optical technology to meet the increasing need for innovative solutions in telec ommunications backhaul, i.e. data traffic within the intermediary network that connects the core and the peripheral segments of the entire hierarchical network. Through the EU seventh framework program and the Research for the benefits of SME instrument, Polewall and its consortium partners have developed and demonstrated a prototype of a 1Gbps Multi-Hop Optical wireless link, the LawnHopper prototype, which represents a disruptive innovation in the fields of ICT and wireless telecommunication. We will f urther develop, demonstrate and commercialise the LawnHopper prototype through the envisaged project. Our existing prototyping and demonstration activities have shown that the LawnHopper is a quick and easy way of wirelessly connecting buildings to core f ibre network at fibre-like speeds, at a fraction of the cost entailed in constructing a physical fibre network. While the focus on the project will be on large-scale demonstration activities, the current prototype requires further development and industr ialisation to fully meet customer demands. The product will likely be installed on existing light poles and utility poles found in cities. Current radio-based backhaul products experience connection loss due to pole sway, which causes the beam to point of f target, breaking the connection. This will also applies to optical solutions. The technical and scientific development of the LawnHopper solution during phase II of the SME instrument will thus be: - Integration and development of an optical module usi ng the MEMS Mirror; - Industrialisation of the product including miniaturisation, design and development of casing components and upscaling of the production process for industrial production.