Architecture and operating experience for an optical wireless OC-3 network from the USS John C Stennis to a North Island pier-side facility

A ship-to-pier free-space laser OC-3 communications link was operated between the USS John C Stennis (CVN 74) moored pier-side, and the port operations building, at the US Navy North Island facility, in San Diego, CA during the period from February 11th, 1999 to March 23rd, 1999. Using autotracking to accommodate 8' tidal movement and some roll and yaw, this system provided reliable 99.92% error free availability with a severely error free second (SES) rating of 99.96% during the demonstration period. Supporting equipment included Lucent Technologies ATM access concentrators, UPS and remote monitoring equipment, and autotracking optical terminals from AstroTerra Corporation. This OC-3 system demonstrated the practicality of optical wireless technology as a network element, and enhancements are underway at Lucent Technologies Bell Labs for a 2.5 Gbps system