Experimental characterization of a low-cost fast frequency-hopping spread-spectrum system for wireless in-house optical communications

In this paper, the design and experimental characterization of a Wireless Infrared Fast Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (WIR-FFHSS) system is presented. The use of spread spectrum techniques on wireless infrared indoor communications reduces the effect of interference present in the infrared channel. It also improves the system performance versus multipath propagation. The use of FHSS techniques allow the use of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) strategies for sharing the channel. We have developed and tested a prototype with a bit rate of 1Mb/s, but it can be easily risen zip to 4Mb/s. We also present some results on a simplified synchronization structure so as to be used on reduced-cost domestic equipment. These systems are suitable for different applications at low and medium rates.