Dimensioning of Free-Space Optical Mesh Network Using High-Altitude Platforms

Abstract

High altitude platforms (HAPs) are flying object operated in the stratosphere at 17 km -24 km altitude. HAPs can carry free-space optical (FSO) transceivers for playing the role of intermediate nodes in the communication system between ground FSO transceivers distributed in a large area such as city metropolitan or a province. Installation of HAPs and FSO transceivers on HAP are costly in terms of device cost itself and also maintenance cost. In this paper, we try to answer the questions of where to install HAPs and FSO transceivers on them so that the total cost is minimized. We propose algorithms for designing the topology of HAP networks. The results show graphically locations of HAP as well as the FSO links to be deployed between HAPs.