BridgeComm, Inc., of Denver, CO announced on January 15 the next stage in its relationship with Boeing HorizonX. The two companies are collaboratively pioneering the development of applications of One-to-Many (OTM) technology, a breakthrough in OWC that provides bi-directional, ultra-high-speed mesh connectivity for terrestrial, airborne and space systems.
OTM builds on the basic connectivity that traditional point-to-point
optical terminals provide and enables a much broader set of telecommunication
applications. This technology enables optical wireless communications systems
to create bi-directional mesh connectivity similar to, and complementary with,
radio frequency systems.
OTM is capable of supporting terrestrial, airborne and space systems
that require 10-100+ Gbps throughput, as well as the high reliability and
redundancy inherent in mesh architecture. OTM maintains the inherent security
features in OWC, while supporting the mesh architecture. OTM also provides a
much-needed new option for high-speed connectivity in environments where RF
spectrum is limited or congested.
“Boeing has been a great partner for BridgeComm, beginning with Boeing HorizonX Ventures’ investment in 2018 to a broader strategic relationship,” says BridgeComm CEO Barry Matsumori. “We’re excited to expand our partnership by pioneering OTM technology for terrestrial, airborne and space systems.”
“The One-to-Many technology that Boeing and BridgeComm are developing is
a game changer for businesses and other organizations that need the ultra-fast,
ultra-reliable connectivity that will complement traditional radio frequency
systems,” says Dr. Bruce Chesley, senior director of Strategy for Boeing’s
Space and Launch business. “OTM will revolutionize the way these organizations
communicate, and in the process will create a communications system designed
for long term growth.”
Launched in 2015, BridgeComm quickly garnered attention as the first organization to commercialize OWC and begin development of a global network of optical ground stations designed to support complimentary fixed and mobile terminals that provide high-bandwidth, high-security solutions for unique applications. OWC is a wireless technology offering rapid point-to-point data transmission via beams of light that connect from one telescope to another using low-power, safe, infrared lasers in the terahertz spectrum. It holds tremendous potential to augment RF, fiber and mmWave technologies and extend the capabilities of the terrestrial fiber grid—particularly in hard-to-access environments and in areas where cell towers do not currently exist.
Source: BridgeComm
By Loren Blinde
January 17, 2020
