Research on Radio over Free Space Optics Technology for Satellite Networking

With the ever-increasing demand for communication and the diminishing availability of spectrum resources, the future of satellite communication is set to evolve towards higher frequency bands, wider bandwidth, and enhanced transmission rates. Consequently, this will necessitate a higher degree of sophistication in the information processing, exchange, and forwarding capabilities of satellite communication payloads. This article highlights the constraints of traditional microwave technology in satellite networking, and introduces a novel satellite communication payload scheme that leverages space optical-communication technology and radio over free space optics technology, which can greatly enhance the flexibility of existing laser communication systems. It delves into the essential parameters and performance indicators of the radio over free space optics link, and also details the simulation and emulation of the proposed satellite communication payload technology based on radio over free space optics technology. The feasibility and efficacy of integrating microwave photonics technology into satellite networking have been substantiated through this research. Finally, the article concludes with a summary and outlines the potential development path and key considerations for satellite network technology based on radio over free space optics link.