Propagation losses and impulse response of the indoor optical channel: A simulation package

Abstract

In this paper we present a simulation package developed to evaluate and optimize both the channel propagation losses and the multipath dispersion of the indoor optical channel. The simulation package is based on a model of the indoor optical channel which includes the emitter radiation pattern, the channel propagation characteristics and the receiver collecting pattern. We illustrate the use of the simulation package by means of two case studies corresponding to: i) a satellite based cell and ii) a passive reflection based cell. It is seen that optimization of the emitting pattern by tuning the number, orientation and radiation pattern of the LEDs can significantly reduce the worst-case channel losses and increase the channel bandwidth. The channel impulse response changes with the receiver position, therefore, techniques to combat the multipath dispersion have to be used for bit rates higher than a few Mbit/s.

This work is being carried out as part of the ESPRIT.6892 — POWER (Portable Workstation for Education in Europe) project commissioned by the European Community.