A wireless optical communication system

Abstract

A wireless communication system comprising: a first communication module comprising a first digital processor; and a second communication module comprising a second digital processor; wherein: wherein the first communication module comprises a first digital data interface for communication between the first communication module and a first electronic device and wherein the second communication module comprises a second digital data interface for communication between the second communication module and a second electronic device, wherein the first digital processor is coupled to the first digital data interface; and / or the second digital processor is coupled to the second digital data interface; wherein the first and second communication modules are configured to communicate through a barrier using optical wireless communication.

Description

[0001] A WIRELESS OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system for communication through a barrier.

[0003] BACKGROUND

[0004] Current and forthcoming generations of radio communication systems, particularly cellular communication systems, are increasingly reliant on higher frequencies of electromagnetic radiation than have been used conventionally. For example, electromagnetic radiation in the millimetre wave band, which is typically referred to as "mmWave".

[0005] However, it is well-known that radio frequencies in the mmWave band are significantly attenuated when propagating through the building fabric commonly encountered in contemporary constructions. Examples of these are the low- emissivity (low-e) glass used in windows to improve energy efficiency, and the metallised membranes used as vapour barriers and reflective foils in external wall and ceiling constructions.

[0006] The consequences of signal attenuation include:

[0007] • degradation in the quality of the communication link

[0008] • loss of energy efficiency, as the transmission power needs to be increased to counteract the impact of attenuation where possible

[0009] It should be noted that the same challenges can be encountered in other areas where a communication signal is transmitted from an exterior to an interior, such as with vehicles. Known systems atempt to address this problem by using a pair of closely coupled units that attach to opposite sides of an exterior surface (commonly a window) and use a signalling method that is immune to the effects of low-e glass and metallised foil to relay the radio signal from the outside to the inside.

[0010] Optical signalling is typically employed for window-attached applications as visible wavelengths can propagate mostly unimpeded. Infrared may also be utilised, but it tends to suffer from higher loss. The signal relay subsystem is also often shown paired with a wireless power delivery system to supply power to the outdoor unit from the indoor unit, thereby easing deployment.

[0011] Known systems use signal conditioning circuitry to transform the high frequency antenna signal (from a directly attached antenna) into a lower frequency baseband signal that is suitable for an optical coupler. The optical coupler may transmit an optical signal having analogue waveform, or as a series of digital pulses.

[0012] Such systems can suffer from loss of signal quality as the signal is transformed through the various signal conditioning operations, thereby resulting in a reduced communication link quality once the signal is delivered to the indoor unit.

[0013] Another disadvantage of such systems is that the outdoor unit is connected directly to the antenna and therefore must be designed / tuned to operate on specific frequency bands. This also implies that the indoor unit (DSP, processing logic, etc.) must be designed to support specific communication protocols. If additional bands or communication technologies are to be supported, the complexities of both the outdoor and indoor unit circuitries are necessarily increased.

[0014] Furthermore, such systems can be susceptible to attack, for example through use of unauthorised units, or through intercepting communication signals between units. SUMMARY

[0015] It is desirable to provide a wireless communication system for communicating through a barrier that mitigates or overcomes some of the aforementioned problems.

[0016] In particular, it is desirable to provide a wireless communication system for communicating through a barrier that has improved communication link quality when compared to known systems.

[0017] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a wireless communication system for communicating through a barrier that can support different communication technologies, without greatly increasing the complexity of the underlying systems.

[0018] Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a wireless communication system for communicating through a barrier that is less susceptible to unauthorised use and / or attack when compared to known systems.

[0019] According to a first aspect of the disclosure there is provided a wireless communication system comprising a first communication module comprising a first digital processor, and a second communication module comprising a second digital processor, wherein the first and second communication modules are configured to communicate through a barrier.

[0020] Optionally, the first and second communication modules are configured to be attached to opposing surfaces of the barrier.

[0021] Optionally, the first communication module is configured transmit a first communication signal, the first digital signal processor being configured to process the first communication signal prior to transmission, and the second communication module is configured to receive the first communication signal, the second digital processor being configured to process the first communication signal after being received, and / or the second communication module is configured transmit a second communication signal, the second digital signal processor being configured to process the second communication signal prior to transmission, and the first communication module is configured to receive the second communication signal, the first digital processor being configured to process the second communication signal after being received.

[0022] Optionally, the first and / or second communications signals are signals having wavelengths in the visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet ranges.

[0023] Optionally, the infrared range is the near infrared range.

[0024] Optionally, the first communication module comprises a first transmitter configured to transmit the first communication signal and / or a first receiver configured to receive the second communication signal, and the second communication module comprises a second transmitter configured to transmit the second communication signal and / or a second receiver configured to receive the first communication signal.

[0025] Optionally, the first communication module comprises a first optical front end (OFE) comprising the first transmitter and / or the first receiver, and the second communication module comprises a second optical front end (OFE) comprising the second transmitter and / or the second receiver.

[0026] Optionally, the first transmitter and / or the second transmitter comprise one or more light emitters, and / or the first receiver and / or the second receiver each comprise one or more photodetectors.

[0027] Optionally, the one or more light emitters comprises one or more of a light emitting diode (LED), an array or an arrangement of LEDs, a laser, or a light- emitting plasma.

[0028] Optionally, the one or more LEDs is one or more of an OLED or a micro LED. Optionally the laser is a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

[0029] Optionally, the one or more photodetectors comprises one or more of a photodiode, an array or an arrangement of photodiodes, a silicon PIN photodiode, a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD), a Graphene-CMOS high-resolution sensor, an avalanche photodiode (APD), a positive-intrinsic- negative [PIN device, a phototransistor, a photoresistor, and / or a light activated silicon controller rectifier.

[0030] Optionally, the first OFE is coupled to the first digital processor, such that the first digital processor is configured to provide the first communication signal to the first OFE for transmission and / or the first OFE is configured to provide the second communication signal to the first digital processor for processing, and / or the second OFE is coupled to the second digital processor, such that the second digital processor is configured to provide the second communication signal to the second OFE for transmission and / or the second OFE is configured to provide the second communication signal to the second digital processor for processing.

[0031] Optionally, the first communication module comprises a first conversion module, the first communication module being coupled to the first digital processor via the first conversion module, the first conversion module comprising i) a first digital to analog converter (DAC) configured to convert the first communication signal from a digital signal to an analog signal prior to transmission by the first OFE, and / or ii) a first analog to digital converter [ADC] configured convert the second communication signal from an analog signal to a digital signal prior to processing by the first digital processor, and / or the second communication module comprises a second conversion module, the second conversion module being coupled to the second digital processor via the second conversion module, the second conversion module comprising i) a second DAC configured to convert the second communication signal from a digital signal to an analog signal prior to transmission by the second OFE, and / or ii) a second ADC configured to convert the first communication signal from an analog signal to a digital signal prior to processing by the second digital processor.

[0032] Optionally, the first OFE comprises a first optical component for the first transmitter and / or a second optical component for the first receiver, and / or the second OFE comprises a third optical component for the second transmitter and / or a fourth optical component for the second receiver.

[0033] Optionally, the first optical component comprises one or more diffusers and / or one or more lenses, and / or one or more lightpipes, and / or one or more waveguides, and / or one or more filters, and / or one or more polarisers.

[0034] Optionally, the second optical component comprises one or more diffusers and / or one or more lenses, and / or one or more lightpipes, and / or one or more waveguides, and / or one or more filters, and / or one or more polarisers.

[0035] Optionally, the third optical component comprises one or more diffusers and / or one or more lenses, and / or one or more lightpipes, and / or one or more waveguides, and / or one or more filters, and / or one or more polarisers.

[0036] Optionally, the fourth optical component comprises one or more diffusers and / or one or more lenses, and / or one or more lightpipes, and / or one or more waveguides, and / or one or more filters, and / or one or more polarisers.

[0037] Optionally, the first digital processor comprises a first microprocessor, and / or the second digital processor comprises a second microprocessor.

[0038] Optionally, the first digital processor comprises a first encoding unit configured to encode the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal prior to transmission, and / or the first digital processor comprises a first decoding unit configured to decode the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal after having been received, and / or the second digital processor comprises a second encoding unit configured to encode the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal prior to transmission, and / or the second digital processor comprises a second decoding unit configured to decode the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal after having been received.

[0039] Optionally, the first digital processor comprises a first error checking unit configured to check for errors in the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal, and / or the second digital processor comprises a second error checking unit configured to check for errors in the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal.

[0040] Optionally, the first error checking unit is configured to correct errors detected in the second communication signal, and / or the second error checking unit is configured to correct errors detected in the first communication signal.

[0041] Optionally, the first error checking unit and / or the second error checking unit are configured to correct errors using channel coding.

[0042] Optionally, the first digital processor comprises a first encryption unit configured to encrypt the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal prior to transmission, and / or the first digital processor comprises a first decryption unit configured to decrypt the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal after having been received, and / or the second digital processor comprises a second encryption unit configured to encrypt the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal prior to transmission, and / or the second digital processor comprises a second decryption unit configured to decrypt the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal after having been received.

[0043] Optionally, the first digital processor comprises a first authentication unit and the second digital processor comprises a second authentication unit, the first and second authentication units being configured to authenticate communication between the first and second communication modules.

[0044] Optionally, the first digital processor and / or the second digital processor is configured to format, de-format, encapsulate or de-encapsulate the first and / or second communication signals.

[0045] Optionally, the first communication module comprises a firstpower supply unit, and the second communication module comprises a second power supply unit.

[0046] Optionally, the first power supply unit is configured to wirelessly supply power to the second power supply unit through the barrier.

[0047] Optionally, the first power supply unit is configured to wirelessly supply power to the second power supply unit through the barrier using inductive energy transfer, capacitive energy transfer, radio frequency transfer, or laser power energy transfer.

[0048] Optionally, the first and second communication modules are configured to communicate via a secondary communication channel using the first and second power supply units.

[0049] Optionally, the first communication module comprises a first power signal modulator configured to modulate a first power signal from the first power supply unit, thereby providing a first modulated power signal, and to provide the first modulated power signal to the second communication module via the secondary communication channel, and / or the second communication module comprises a second power signal modulator configured to modulate a second power signal from the second power supply unit, thereby providing a second modulated power signal, and to provide the second modulated power signal to the first communication module via the secondary communication channel. Optionally, the first and second communication modules are configured to communicate status and / or configuration information using the secondary communication channel.

[0050] Optionally, the first communication module comprises a first digital data interface and the second communication module comprises a second digital data interface.

[0051] Optionally, the first digital data interface comprises one or more of an ethernet interface, a USB interface, a PCIe interface, an HDMI interface, an InfiniBand interface, a Thunderbolt cable interface, a channels for end points interface, a CAN bus interface, an SP1 interface, an SDIO interface, a UART interface, a JESD204B interface, a PON interface, and / or a secondary access point interface, and the second digital data interface comprises one or more of an ethernet interface, a USB interface, a PCIe interface, an HDMI interface, an InfiniBand interface, a Thunderbolt cable interface, a channels for end points interface, a CAN bus interface, an SPI interface, an SDIO interface, a UART interface, a JESD204B interface, a PON interface, and / or a secondary access point interface.

[0052] Optionally, the ethernet interface comprises a power over ethernet interface and / or the USB interface comprises a USB power delivery interface.

[0053] Optionally, the first digital data interface is configured to be couplable to a first electronic device, and / or the second digital data interface is configured to be couplable to a second electronic device.

[0054] Optionally, the first electronic device is a first network device and / or the second electronic device is a second network device.

[0055] Optionally, the first digital processor is coupled to the first digital data interface, and / or the second digital processor is coupled to the second digital data interface. Optionally, the barrier is substantially transparent to the wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation used for communication between the first and second communication modules.

[0056] Optionally, the barrier comprises one or more layers of a transparent glass, a translucent glass, a transparent plastic or a translucent plastic.

[0057] Optionally, the first OFE comprises a first plurality of transmitters comprising the first transmitter and / or a first plurality of receivers comprising the first receiver, and / or the second OFE comprises a second plurality of transmitters comprising the second transmitter and / or a second plurality of receivers comprising the second receiver.

[0058] Optionally, each of the first plurality of transmitters are configured to transmit at the same wavelength.

[0059] Optionally, each of the first plurality of transmitters are configured to transmit at different wavelengths.

[0060] Optionally, each of the first plurality of receivers are configured to receive at the same wavelength.

[0061] Optionally, each of the first plurality of receivers are configured to receive at different wavelengths.

[0062] Optionally, each of the second plurality of transmitters are configured to transmit at the same wavelength.

[0063] Optionally, each of the second plurality of transmitters are configured to transmit at different wavelengths. Optionally, each of the second plurality of receivers are configured to receive at the same wavelength.

[0064] Optionally, each of the second plurality of receivers are configured to receive at different wavelengths.

[0065] Optionally, the first communication module comprises one or more first additional optical front ends (OFE) each comprising a first additional transmitter and / or a first additional receiver, and the second communication module comprises one or more second additional optical front ends (OFE) each comprising a second additional transmitter and / or a second additional receiver.

[0066] Optionally, the first transmitter and each of the first additional transmitters are configured to transmit at the same wavelength.

[0067] Optionally, the first transmitter and each of the first additional transmitters are configured to transmit at different wavelengths.

[0068] Optionally, the first receiver and each of the first additional receivers are configured to receive at the same wavelength.

[0069] Optionally, the first receiver and each of the first additional receivers are configured to receive at different wavelengths.

[0070] Optionally, the second transmitter and each of the second additional transmitters are configured to transmit at the same wavelength.

[0071] Optionally, the second transmitter and each of the second additional transmitters are configured to transmit at different wavelengths.

[0072] Optionally, the second receiver and each of the second additional receivers are configured to receive at the same wavelength. Optionally, the second receiver and each of the second additional receivers are configured to receive at different wavelengths.

[0073] The first communication module may comprise a first digital data interface for communication between the first communication module and a first electronic device and wherein the second communication module comprises a second digital data interface for communication between the second communication module and a second electronic device, wherein the first digital processor is coupled to the first digital data interface; and / or the second digital processor is coupled to the second digital data interface; wherein the first and second communication modules are configured to communicate through a barrier using optical wireless communication.

[0074] The first or second electronic device may form part of an external communication system. The other of the first or second electronic device may form part of an indoor communication system.

[0075] The first and / or second electronic device may be provided in a separate housing to the first and / or second communication modules, optionally wherein the first and / or second digital data interface is a cable or wired data connection.

[0076] The first and / or second electronic device may be provided in a common or shared housing to the first and / or second communication modules. The first and / or second digital data interface may be a cable or wired data connection.

[0077] The first digital data interface may be configured to be couplable to a first electronic device, and / or the second digital data interface is configured to be couplable to a second electronic device.

[0078] The first and second communication modules may be configured to be attached to opposing surfaces of the barrier. The first and / or second digital data interfaces may comprise one or more of an ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface, an HDMI interface, an InfiniBand interface, a Thunderbolt cable interface (for example, Thunderbolt 3), a channels for end points interface, a CAN bus interface, an SP1 interface, an SD10 interface, a UART interface, a JESD204B interface, a PON interface, and / or a secondary access point interface.

[0079] The first digital processor may be connected to a further device over the first digital interface, optionally wherein the first module is connected to a further device is provided in a further housing.

[0080] The first communication module may comprise a first power supply unit; and the second communication module comprises a second power supply unit, wherein: the first power supply unit is configured to wirelessly supply power to the second power supply unit through the barrier, wherein the second power supply unit is configured to supply power to the second electronic device.

[0081] A combined or shared power and data connection is provided between the first communication module and the first electronic device and / or between the second communication module and the second electronic device.

[0082] Optionally wherein the combined power data connection comprises the first and / or second data interface. The power and data connection may be provided as part of a combined and / or cable.

[0083] Data may be transferred from the first electronic device to the first module and / or from the second module to the second electronic device digitally.

[0084] The digital processor of the first and / or second modules may be configured to perform at least one of: error checking; encryption / decryption; authentication; format; de-format, encapsulate or de-encapsulate. According to a second aspect of the disclosure there is provided a method of wireless communication using the wireless communication system of the first aspect.

[0085] It will be appreciated that the method of the second aspect may include providing and / or using features set out in the first aspect and can incorporate other features as described herein.

[0086] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0087] The disclosure is described in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0088] Figure 1 a) is a schematic of a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 1(b) is a schematic of a wireless communication system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1(c) is a schematic of a specific implementation of the communication module, Figure 1(d) is a schematic of a specific implementation of the communication module, Figure 1(e) is a schematic of a wireless communication system in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0089] Figure 2(a) is a time graph showing an example analog waveform and Figure 2(b) is a time graph showing an example digital waveform;

[0090] Figure 3(a) is a schematic of a wireless communication system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3(b) is a schematic of a wireless communication system in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0091] Figure 4 is a schematic of a wireless communication system in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0092] Figure 5(a) is a schematic of a communication system in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5(b) is a schematic of a communication system in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0093] Figure 6(a) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the communication module, Figure 6(b) is a schematic of a further specific embodiment of the communication module. Figure 6(c) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the communication module, Figure 6(d) is a schematic of a further specific embodiment of the communication module;

[0094] Figure 7(a) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7(b) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7(c) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7(d) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7(e) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor and a digital processor in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0095] Figure 8 is a schematic of a communication system in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0096] Figure 9 is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the communication module; and

[0097] Figure 10(a) is a schematic of a communication system in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10(b) is a schematic of a communication system in accordance with a sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0098] Figure 11 is a schematic of a communication system in accordance with a further embodiment;

[0099] Figure 12 is a schematic of a communication system in accordance with a further embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Figure 1(a) is a schematic of a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The wireless communication system 100 comprises a communication module 102 comprising a digital processor 104, and a communication module 106 comprising a digital processor 108. During operation, the communication modules 102, 106 communication through a barrier 110.

[0101] In the present example, the communication modules 102, 106 are each attached to opposing surfaces of the barrier 110. In further embodiments, one or both of the communication modules 102, 106 may be disconnected from the barrier 110.

[0102] The barrier 110 may be substantially transparent to the wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation used for communication between the communication modules 102, 106. For example, for communication at optical wavelengths, comprising visible and near infrared wavelengths, the barrier 110 may comprise one or more layers of a transparent glass, a translucent glass, a transparent plastic or a translucent plastic.

[0103] The digital processors 104, 108 may be referred to as digital signal processors, which are electronic circuits configured to perform digital signal processing operations. A digital signal processor may comprise a microprocessor and may be implemented on a semiconductor chip. A digital processor may comprise conversion circuitry to convert a signal before and after processing. For example, during operation an analog signal may be received, converted by an analog to digital converter into a digital signal, processed by a processing unit, and then converted to an analog signal by a digital to analog converter. The communication module 102 is configured to transmit a communication signal 112 to the communication module 106. During operation, the digital processor 104 processes the communication signal 112 prior to transmission. After having received the communication signal 112, the digital processor 108 of the communication module 106 processes the communication signal 112.

[0104] The communication module 106 is configured to transmit a communication signal 114 to the communication module 102. During operation, the digital processor 108 processes the communication signal 114 prior to transmission. After having received the communication signal 114, the digital processor 104 of the communication module 102 processes the communication signal 114.

[0105] It will be appreciated that the present example illustrates bidirectional communication between the communication modules 102, 106. However, in a further embodiment, there may be provided only unidirectional communication, for example from the communication module 106 to the communication module 102.

[0106] The communication signals 112, 114 may be signals having wavelengths in the visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet (UV) ranges. The infrared range may, for example, be the near infrared range.

[0107] Figure 1(b) is a schematic of a wireless communication system 116 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1(b) shows example specific implementations of the communication modules 102, 106 of Figure 1(a).

[0108] In the present example, the communication module 102 comprises a transmitter 118 that is configured to transmit the communication signal 112, and a receiver 120 that is configured to receive the communication signal 114. The communication module 106 comprises a transmitter 122 that is configured to transmit the communication signal 114, and a receiver 124 that is configured to receive the communication signal 112. It will be appreciated that transmitter and receiver of a single module may be referred to as a transceiver. Each of the transmitters 118, 122 may comprise one or more light emitters. For example, the one or more light emitters may comprise one or more of a light emitting diode (LED), an array or an arrangement of LEDs, a laser, or a light- emitting plasma. The one or more LEDs may, for example, be one or more of an OLED or a micro LED. The laser may be a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL).

[0109] Each of the receivers 120, 124 may comprise one or more photodetectors. For example, the one or more photodetectors may comprise one or more of a photodiode, an array or an arrangement of photodiodes, a silicon PIN photodiode, a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), a single photon avalanche diode (SPAD), a Graphene- CMOS high-resolution sensor, and avalanche photodiode (APD), a positive-intrinsic- negative (PIN) device, a phototransistor, a photoresistor, or a light activated silicon controller rectifier.

[0110] In the present example, the transmitter 118 and the receiver 120 form an optical front end (OFE) 126. Similarly, the transmitter 122 and the receiver 124 form an OFE 128 of the communication module 106. When transmitting, each of the OFEs 126, 128 converts an electrical signal into an optical signal for transmission, for example using its transmitter. Furthermore, when an optical signal is received by an OFE, the OFE converts the optical signal into an electrical signal, for example using its receiver.

[0111] The OFE 126 is coupled to the digital processor 104, such that during operation the digital processor 104 provides the communication signal 112 to the OFE 126 for transmission and the OFE 126 provides the communication signal 114 to the digital processor 104 for processing.

[0112] The OFE 128 is coupled to the digital processor 108, such that during operation the digital processor 108 provides the communication signal 114 to the OFE 128 for transmission and the OFE 128 provides the communication signal 112 to the digital processor 108 for processing. As discussed previously in relation to Figure 1(a), it will be appreciated that the present embodiment also shows bidirectional communication, and further embodiments may provide only unidirectional communication, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

[0113] Figure 1(c) is a schematic of a specific implementation of the communication module 106 that is configured to both transmit and receive analog signals across the barrier 110. It will be appreciated that the signals may be digital in further embodiments.

[0114] For example, the digital processor 108 may directly transfer a digital waveform over the optical front-end or it may first convert it to / from an analog waveform using a suitable analog / digital converter device. Analog waveforms may be preferable when the optical front-end offers insufficient bandwidth to support the direct, digital waveform.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the communication module 106 comprises a conversion module 130 that comprises a digital to analog converter (DAC) 132 that is configured convert the communication signal 114 from a digital signal to an analog signal prior to transmission, and an analog to digital converter (ADC) 134 that is configured to convert the communication signal 112 from an analog signal to a digital signal after having been received.

[0116] Figure 1(d) is a schematic of a specific implementation of the communication module 102 that is configured to both transmit and receive analog signals across the barrier 110. It will be appreciated that the signals may be digital in further embodiments.

[0117] In the present example, the communication module 102 comprises a conversion module 136 comprising an ADC 138 and a DAC 140. The conversion module 136 functions substantially as described for the conversion module 130 of Figure 1(c) and in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person. It will be appreciated that for unidirectional communication, one of the conversion modules 130, 132 136 comprise one of the DAC and the ADC, and the other conversion module may comprise the other of the DAC and the ADC, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

[0118] Figure 1(e) is a schematic of a wireless communication system 142, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present disclosure and comprising the specific implementations of the communication module 102 and 106 of Figures 1(c) and 1(d), respectively.

[0119] One or more of the transmitters 118, 122 and / or the receivers 120, 124 may have optical components. The optical components may comprise one or more of a diffuser, a lens, a lightpipe, a waveguide, a filter, and / or a polariser. Polarisers are particularly useful with multiple OFEs / transmitters to provide separation between signals.

[0120] In the present embodiment, the OFEs 126, 128 each comprise one or more filters 144 to attenuate transmitted / received communication signals, for example, within one or more pre-defined wavebands. Filters may be used to reduce the communication signal strength and prevent saturation of the detectors.

[0121] Each of the filters 144 may differ from each other if the transmitters / receivers operate on different wavelengths.

[0122] Figure 2(a) is a time graph 200 showing an example analog waveform 202 and Figure 2(b) is a time graph 204 showing an example digital waveform 206.

[0123] Figure 3(a) is a schematic of a wireless communication system 300 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the communication module 102 further comprises a power supply unit 302 and the communication module 106 further comprises a power supply unit 304. The power supply units 302, 304 are arranged to enable power to be supplied to their respective modules 102, 106. For example, one or both of the power supply units 302, 304 may comprise a battery holder for holding a battery to power its module 102, 106. In a further embodiment, one or both of the power supply units 302, 304 may comprise a connector for coupling to a mains power supply or other power source.

[0124] In a specific embodiment, where the module 102 is within an enclosed space, such as a house, it may be powered by the power supply unit 302 being coupled to a mains power supply, which is available within the house. The module 106, being outside the house, may be powered by the power supply unit 304 holding a battery, with the mains supply not being readily available outside.

[0125] In a specific embodiment, the power supply unit 302 may be configured to wirelessly supply power to the power supply unit 304. This will be of particular benefit for the above example where the module 102 is placed within a property with access to a mains power supply, which is not easily accessible for the exterior module 106.

[0126] The power supply unit 302 may be configured to wirelessly supply power to the power supply unit 304 through the barrier using inductive energy transfer, capacitive energy transfer, radio frequency transfer, or laser power energy transfer.

[0127] In a specific embodiment, this aspect of the system enables wireless delivery of power from an indoor unit to an outdoor unit, thereby allowing the outdoor unit to function without requiring an external power source.

[0128] Figure 3 b) is a schematic of a wireless communication system 306 in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, each of the communication modules 102, 106 comprises a power signal modulator 308, 310 configured to modulate power signals 312, 314 from their respective power supply units 302, 304, and then to provide the modulated signals to the other communication module via a secondary communication channel 316. Status and / or configuration information may be communicated using the secondary communication channel in this way, for example relating to the status of one or both of the power supply units 302, 304,

[0129] The power signals 312, 314 may be referred to as power waveforms and in a specific embodiment, one of the power signals 312 may correspond the waveform used to supply power from the power supply unit 302 to the power supply unit 304, which is modulated by the power signal modulator 308 to include status and / or configuration information.

[0130] Figure 4 is a schematic of a wireless communication system 400 in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, each of the communication modules 102, 106 comprises a digital data interface 402, 404. The digital data interfaces 402, 404 are used to enable communication of digital data from each of the communication modules 102, 106 to an external location. For example, the digital data interface 402 may be couplable to an electronic device 403, and the digital data interface 404 may be couplable to an electronic device 405. The electronic devices 403, 405 may, for example, be network devices.

[0131] For example, assuming that the communication module 106 is outside of a house, with the communication module 102 being provide inside a house, the digital data interface 402 may enable communication between the module 102 and a home network or a user device (being the electronic device 403), and the digital data interface 404 may enable communication between the module 106 and an external communication system and / or network (being the electronic device 405) via, for example, a modem including an antenna.

[0132] Each of the digital data interfaces 402, 404 may comprise one or more of an ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCle) interface, an HDM1 interface, an InfiniBand interface, a Thunderbolt cable interface [for example, Thunderbolt 3), a channels for end points interface, a CAN bus interface, an SP1 interface, an SD1O interface, a UART interface, a JESD204B interface, a PON interface, and / or a secondary access point interface. The ethernet interface may be, for example, a 40GB ethernet interface. The ethernet interface may, for example, comprise a power over ethernet interface. The USB interface may comprise a USB power delivery interface. The use of signalling that combines power and data can eliminate the need for separate power and data connections. Examples include Power over Ethernet [PoE], PCle, USB [particularly USB PD [power delivery]].

[0133] It will be appreciated that in the present embodiment, the power supply units 302, 304 and the conversion modules 130, 136 have been omitted, however further embodiments may include one or more of these features, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

[0134] In a specific embodiment, where the communication module 106 is an "outdoor device” and the communication module 102 is an “indoor device” the external communication system [being the electronic device 405] may connect to the outdoor unit [the module 106] over a standard digital communication interface [the interface 404] such as Ethernet, PCle, USB, etc. This allows any suitably equipped [i.e., Ethernet, PCle, USB, etc. enabled] communication system to be connected to the data relay without requiring any modifications to the underlying circuitry. This aspect of the system is mirrored on the indoor unit [the module 102], thereby also allowing any suitable equipped user device to be connected to the system 400.

[0135] It should be noted that the system 400 may implement support for one or more data protocols [Ethernet, USB, PCle, etc.] on the digital data interfaces 402, 404. It is also not necessary for the digital data protocol to be identical on both sides of the system 400. As an example, the digital data interface 404 may connect to an external communication system [the electronic device 405] over PCle on the outdoor side [the module 106 side] while connecting to a user device [the electronic device 403] over Ethernet on the indoor side [the module 102 side). The wireless communication system 400 maybe independent of the communication technology (e.g., 5G cellular, satellite communications, WiFi, etc.) that must be relayed through the barrier 110. This may apply to both the indoor unit (the module 102) and the outdoor unit (the module 106) and means that the same system 400 can be deployed across a multitude of applications and use cases without physical modifications to the indoor and outdoor units being necessary. There is therefore provided a wireless communication system for communicating through a barrier that can support different communication technologies, without greatly increasing the complexity of the underlying systems.

[0136] A consequence of using digital data interfacing on the outdoor unit 106 is that the external communication signal is converted to a digital format in-situ. As this is typically achieved with the use of a suitable modem, the signal waveform is decoded very close to the antenna and therefore the received signal quality is maximised.

[0137] Transferring the data digitally through the relay system allows the initial signal / link quality to be maintained as the transfer process can be made virtually lossless by designing in a sufficient link margin and / or error correction coding. This is in contrast to known systems that effectively just relay the antenna signal through the outdoor unit and therefore embodiments of the present disclosure improve communication link quality when compared to known systems.

[0138] Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an indoor link with the same signal quality that would have been possible if the user device 403 was outdoors.

[0139] Figure 5(a) is a schematic of a communication system 500 in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5(b) is a schematic of a communication system 502 in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6(a) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the communication module 106. Figure 6(b) is a schematic of a further specific embodiment of the communication module 106. The present example uses combined data and power.

[0140] Figure 6(c) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the communication module 102. Figure 6(d) is a schematic of a further specific embodiment of the communication module 102. The present example uses combined data and power. Figure 7(a) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor 700 in accordance with a ninth embodiment of the present disclosure. For any of the embodiments described herein, one or both of the digital processors 104, 108 may implemented as the digital processor 700. The digital processor 700 comprises a microprocessor 702 configured to perform the digital signal processing operations of the digital processor 700, and may be implemented on a semiconductor chip.

[0141] Figure 7(b) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor 704 in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present disclosure. For any of the embodiments described herein, one or both of the digital processors 104, 108 may implemented as the digital processor 704. The digital processor 704 comprises an encoding unit 706 and a decoding unit 708. The functionality of one or both of the encoding and decoding units 706, 708 may be provided by a microprocessor, such as the microprocessor 702. It will be appreciated that in a further embodiment, only one of the encoding and decoding units 706, 708 may be provided, for example for unidirectional communication. For example, there may be provided an encoding unit in the communication module 102 and a decoding unit in the communication module 106.

[0142] In operation, the encoding unit 706 acts to encode the communication signal, for example to a specific format for transmission that adheres to the communication protocol requirements of a receiving device. In operation the decoding unit 708 acts to decode the communication signal to, for example, ensure it is suitable for further processing and / or analysis. By way of example, in consideration of a bidirectional communication system, such as the communication system 400, each of the digital processors 104, 108 may each comprise an encoding unit and a decoding unit. During operation, the digital processor 104 may process the communication signal 112 by performing an encoding operation to transform the format of the communication signal 112. This transformation may ensure that the communication signal 112 is suitably formatted for receiving by the module 106. After having been received, the digital processor 108 uses its decoding unit to process the communication signal 112 by performing a decoding operation. This decoding operation may restore the communication signal 112 to its original format for further processing or analysis. The communication from the module 106 to the module 102 may undergo a similar encoding / decoding process as will be clear to the skilled person.

[0143] In further embodiments, the encoding process may compress the data in the communication signal, with the decoding process being a decompression process to restore the data to its initial format prior to transmission.

[0144] Figure 7(c) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor 710 in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present disclosure. For any of the embodiments described herein, one or both of the digital processors 104, 108 may implemented as the digital processor 710. The digital processor 710 comprises an enciyption unit 712 and a decryption unit 714. The functionality of one or both of the encryption and decryption units 712, 714 may be provided by a microprocessor, such as the microprocessor 702. It will be appreciated that in a further embodiment, only one of the encryption and decryption units 712, 714 may be provided, for example for unidirectional communication. For example, there may be provided an enciyption unit in the communication module 102 and a decryption unit in the communication module 106.

[0145] In operation, the encryption unit 712 acts to encrypt the communication signal prior to transmission, for example by applying an encryption algorithm to the data within the communication signal. The encryption process may prevent a third party who has intercepted the data as it is communicated between the communication modules 102, 106 from being read. In operation the decryption unit 708 acts to decrypt the communication signal to return the data held within the communication signal to its pre-encryption format which is readable.

[0146] By way of example, in consideration of a bidirectional communication system, such as the communication system 400, each of the digital processors 104, 108 may each comprise an encryption unit and a decryption unit. During operation, the digital processor 104 may process the communication signal 112 by performing an encryption operation to encrypt the data of the communication signal 112. This encryption can ensure that the communication signal 112 is private. After having been received, the digital processor 108 uses its decryption unit to process the communication signal 112 by performing a decryption operation. This decryption operation may restore the communication signal 112 to its original format for further processing or analysis. The communication from the module 106 to the module 102 may undergo a similar encryption / decryption process as will be clear to the skilled person.

[0147] Known systems do not use encryption between indoor and outdoor modules, meaning that these systems are susceptible to interception of communication signals between units (typically referred to as man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks). Embodiments of the present disclosure providing encryption / decryption functionality can therefore reduce, or prevent, such attacks.

[0148] Figure 7(d) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor 716 in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present disclosure. For any of the embodiments described herein, one or both of the digital processors 104, 108 may implemented as the digital processor 716. The digital processor 716 comprises an error checking unit 718. The functionality of the error checking unit 718 may be provided by a microprocessor, such as the microprocessor 702. It will be appreciated that in a further embodiment, only one of the modules 102, 106 may comprise an error checking unit, for example for unidirectional communication. In operation, the error checking unit 718 acts to check for errors in a received communication signal as a result of the transmission and receiving process between modules 102, 106. The errors may arise, for example, from electronic noise.

[0149] The error checking unit 718 may be further configured to correct for errors in the received communication signal, for example by using channel coding.

[0150] Figure 7(e) is a schematic of a specific embodiment of a digital processor 720 and a digital processor 722 in accordance with a thirteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. For any embodiments described herein, the digital processor 720 may be implemented as the digital processor 104 and the digital processor 722 may be implemented as the digital processor 108.

[0151] The digital processor 720 comprises an authentication unit 724 and the digital processor 722 comprises an authentication unit 726. The authentication units 722, 726 are configured to authenticate communication between the communication modules 102, 106.

[0152] For example, during operation and prior to normal communication between the modules 102, 106, the authentication units 722, 726 may communicate with each other to ensure that the pair of modules 102, 106 are permitted to communicate with each other. This may, for example, be achieved by exchanging a passcode, a digital certificate, or serial number between authentication units 722, 726. Such a process can prevent the replacement of one of the modules 102, 106 with an unauthorised module, as an unauthorised module will fail the authentication process, thereby preventing communication.

[0153] It will be appreciated that in further embodiments, one or both of the digital processors 104, 108 of any of the embodiments described herein may be implemented as any of the digital processors shown in Figures 7(a)-7(e). In further embodiments, one or both of the digital processors 104, 108 of any of the embodiments described herein may comprise any of the features included as part of the digital processors shown in Figures 7(a)-7(e), in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person. For example, in a specific embodiment each of the digital processors 104, 108 may comprise an encryption unit, a decryption unit and an authentication unit.

[0154] The use of enciyption / decryption units 712, 714 and authentication units 724, 726 may be used to authenticate and secure the link between the outdoor and indoor units, thereby preventing MitM attacks and preventing the use of unauthorised indoor / outdoor units.

[0155] Figure 8 is a schematic of a communication system 800 in accordance with a fourteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present embodiment, the digital processor 104 comprises a microprocessor 702a, an encoding unit 706a, a decoding unit 708a, an encryption unit 712a, a decryption unit 714a, an error checking unit 718a and the authentication unit 724. The digital processor 108 comprises a microprocessor 702b, an encoding unit 706b, a decoding unit 708b, an encryption unit 712b, a decryption unit 714b, an error checking unit 718b and the authentication unit 726. In a further embodiment, one or both of the digital processors 104, 108 may be configured to format, de-format, encapsulate, or deencapsulate the communication signals 112, 114.

[0156] Figure 9 is a schematic of a specific embodiment of the communication module 106. The communication module 106 may be connected to an outdoor communication system or user device which connects to the digital processor 108 within the relay system over the standardised digital data interface 404.

[0157] During operation the digital processor 108 performs any necessary encoding / decoding, channel coding / error correction, enciyption / decryption, formatting, protocol encapsulation, etc. required to transfer the data over the optical channel using the optical front-end 128 (which may comprise of emitter(s), detector(s), and necessary optics (incl. filters)). The digital processor 108 may also implement a cryptographic authentication mechanism such that only permitted devices may be paired together in a system. Known systems using signal conditioning circuitry do not perform any processing of the information contained in the antenna signal and they merely transform the waveform into a suitable format for the optical coupler. Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide processing of the information, for example as described in relation to Figures 7(a)-(e), Figure 8 and Figure 9, thereby offering advantages over known systems.

[0158] In further specific embodiments, one or both of the OFEs 126, 128 of any of the embodiments described herein may each comprise a plurality of transmitters and / or a plurality of receivers. Each of the plurality of transmitters of each OFE may transmit electromagnetic radiation at the same, or at different wavelengths. Each of the plurality of receivers of each OFE may detect electromagnetic radiation at the same, or at different wavelengths.

[0159] In further specific embodiments, one or both of the modules 102, 106 of any of the embodiments described herein may each comprise a plurality of OFEs, where each of the OFEs comprises one or more transmitters and / or one or more receivers. The transmitters may transmit electromagnetic radiation at the same, or at different wavelengths. The receivers may detect electromagnetic radiation at the same, or at different wavelengths.

[0160] Figure 10(a) is a schematic of a communication system 1000 in accordance with a fifteenth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0161] In the present example, the OFE 126 comprises a plurality of transmitters comprising the transmitter 118 and a transmitter 1002. It will be appreciated that in further embodiments, the OFE 126 may comprise more than two transmitters.

[0162] In the present example, the OFE 126 comprises a plurality of receivers comprising the receiver 120 and a receiver 1004. It will be appreciated that in further embodiments, the OFE 126 may comprise more than two receivers. Each of the transmitters and / or receivers of the OFE 126 may function at the same wavelength, for example by transmitting / receiving the same wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. In further embodiments, each of the transmitters and / or receivers of the OFE 126 may function at different wavelengths, for example by transmitting / receiving different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

[0163] In the present example, the OFE 128 comprises a plurality of transmitters comprising the transmitter 122 and a transmitter 1006. It will be appreciated that in further embodiments, the OFE 128 may comprise more than two transmitters.

[0164] In the present example, the OFE 128 comprises a plurality of receivers comprising the receiver 124 and a receiver 1008. It will be appreciated that in further embodiments, the OFE 128 may comprise more than two receivers.

[0165] Each of the transmitters and / or receivers of the OFE 128 may function at the same wavelength, for example by transmitting / receiving the same wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. In further embodiments, each of the transmitters and / or receivers of the OFE 128 may function at different wavelengths, for example by transmitting / receiving different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

[0166] It will be appreciated that each of the plurality of transmitters and / or receivers of each of the OFEs 126, 128 may function substantially as described for the individual transmitters and receivers of the embodiments described herein.

[0167] Additional embodiments having a plurality of transmitters and / or receivers may include additional features outlined in relation to the other embodiments described herein, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

[0168] Figure 10(b] is a schematic of a communication system 1001 in accordance with a sixteenth embodiment of the present disclosure. In the present example, the module 102 comprises an additional OFE 1010 comprising the transmitter 1002 and the receiver 1004, and the module 106 comprises an additional OFE 1012 comprising the transmitter 1006 and the receiver 1008. It will be appreciated that in further embodiments there may be provided more than two OFEs in one or both of the modules 102, 106, with each of the OFEs comprising at least one transmitter and / or at least one receiver.

[0169] Additional embodiments having a plurality of OFEs for each of the modules 102, 106 may include additional features outlined in relation to the other embodiments described herein, in accordance with the understanding of the skilled person.

[0170] In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the or each transmitter may comprise a light source, optionally a light emitting diode (LED), an array of LEDS, a laser, for example a VCSEL (vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser), a VCSEL array, or a laser diode, or an LEP (light- emitting plasma). The or each transmitter may be configured to transmit infra-red light and / or visible light and / or ultra-violet light and / or any wavelength(s) of light suitable for OWC communication. The OWC communication may comprise LiFi communication. The OWC communication may be full-duplex and / or half-duplex. The OWC transmission device may comprise or form part of an OWC transceiver device comprising OWC transmitter(s) and receiver(s). The or each transmitter may comprise or form part of an OWC transceiver.

[0171] In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical front end may comprise a photodetector configured to receive light and to produce detection signals in response to the received light. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical front end may further comprise receiver circuitry configured to receive and process the detection signals to produce the receiver signals. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, the optical front end may be configured to detect light and optical wireless communication signals carried by light and produce electrical receiver signals based on the detected light. In specific embodiments of the present disclosure, a transmitter and receiver may form a transceiver. The transceiver may have an OWC transmitter optical front end module and an OWC receiver optical front end module. The transmitter optical front end module may also be referred to as the transmitter optical front end. The receiver optical front end module may also be referred to as the receiver optical front end. The transmitter optical front end module and the receiver optical front end module may form part of an optical front end of a transceiver. The receiver optical front end module may have a photodetector and associated receiver optical front end circuitry. Each transceiver may have an optical front end that includes the components of receiver optical front end module and the transmitter optical front end module.

[0172] Figure 11 depicts a schematic of a communication system in accordance with a further embodiment. The communication system of Figure 11 is similar to that described with reference to Figure 5(a). As described with reference Figure 5(a), the system has an indoor unit 1102 and an outdoor unit 1106. As described with reference to that Figure, the communication system of Figure 11 is configured to communicate data through a barrier 1110. As described with reference to Figure 5(a), the outdoor unit 1106 has a digital data interface 1404, an optical front end 1128, a power supply unit 1304, a digital processor 1108. Likewise, the indoor unit 1102 has a digital data interface 1402, an optical front end 1126, a power supply unit 1302 and a digital processor 1104.

[0173] Communication signals 1112, 1114 are sent between the modules via the barrier across an optical wireless link. In addition, wireless power 1136 is provided from the power supply unit of the indoor unit to the power supply unit of the outdoor unit. The power for the indoor unit is provided via a power supply.

[0174] In the embodiment of Figure 11, the indoor unit 1102 is connected via digital data interface 1402 to a router device, in this embodiment, a Wi-Fi router 1403. In the embodiment of Figure 11, the outdoor unit 1106 is connected via digital data interface 1404 to an outdoor communication system, in this embodiment a 5G cellular modem 1105. The digital data interface is provided by a wired connection between the outdoor unit and the cellular modem 1105.

[0175] In the embodiment of Figure 11, the outdoor unit is further configured to supply via a further wired or wireless power supply link, power to the outdoor communication system, in this embodiment, the 5G cellular modem. In some embodiments, a single cable is provided between the further device 1105 and the outdoor unit to provide power and data therebetween.

[0176] The signalling protocols used in the system of Figure 11 are also depicted. In the system of Figure 11, there are five signalling stages, each with a corresponding protocol.

[0177] At the first stage 1152, the signalling protocol for the 5G cellular model is 3GPP rl5. At the second stage, 1154, the signally protocol for the data interface 1404 is IEEE 802.3 ("ethernet"). At the third stage 1156, the protocol is an optical wireless communication based protocol. At the fourth stage, the protocol for the data interface 1402 is IEEE 802.3 ("ethernet"). At the fifth stage 1160, the protocol for the Wi-Fi router is IEEE 802.11 ("Wi-Fi"].

[0178] In the present embodiment, the further device 1105 is provided separately from the outdoor device 1106, for example, in a physically separate location. In some embodiments, the further device is provided in a separate housing to the outdoor unit. In some embodiments, the (indoor) further device 1403 is provided in a separate housing the indoor unit 1102.

[0179] In some embodiments, the further device 1105 may share a housing with the outdoor unit 1106. In some embodiments, the further device 1403 shares a housing with the indoor unit 1102. Figure 12 depicts a further embodiment in which the outdoor unit is configured to be connected to a GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) and the indoor unit is connected to a powerline link.

[0180] In Figure 12, the indoor unit 2202 has an OWC modem and associated front end 2226, digital processor 2204 and power supply unit 2302. In the embodiment of Figure 12, the indoor unit has a data processor 2403 in the form of a powerline communication (PLC) system. In this embodiment, the PLC system is configured to encode and / or decode data carried on powerline, such as in a home or other environment.

[0181] The indoor unit 2202 is configured to obtain data, from power line connections and / or encode data onto connected power lines via the PLC processor. In particular, a digital data signal is obtained by digital processor 2204.

[0182] The outdoor unit 2206 has a digital processor 2108, an OWC modem 2428 and corresponding optical front end and power supply unit 2304. The outdoor unit has a GPON ONT processor 2105 (a gigabit passive optical network optical network terminal) configured to connect the outdoor device to an external Gigabit Passive Optical Network.

[0183] The signalling protocols used in the system of Figure 11 are also depicted. In the system of Figure 11, there are five signalling stages, each with a corresponding protocol.

[0184] The digital processor of the indoor module 2202 acts as a digital interface between the OWC modem 2226 and the PLC system 2403. Likewise, the digital processor 2108 of the outdoor module 2206 acts as a digital interface between the GPON ONT 2105 and the OWC modem 2428.

[0185] At the first stage 1252, the signalling protocol for the GPON ONT is ITU-T G.984. At the second stage, 2154, the signaling protocol for the digital processor 2108 is PCIe. At the third stage 1256, the protocol is an optical wireless communication-based protocol. At the fourth stage 2158, the protocol for the digital processor 2204 is PCIe. At the fifth stage 2160, the protocol for the PLC system is ITU-T G.9960 (“G.hn”).

[0186] The term light herein may be used, for example, to refer to electromagnetic waves with wavelengths in a range 1 nm to 2500 nm, which includes ultraviolet, visible light and near-infrared wavelengths. Light may be used to refer to both visible light and non-visible light of any suitable wavelengths.

[0187] In the above-described embodiments, it will be understood that for optical wireless communication, any suitable modulation scheme may be used. In embodiments, the optical signals transmitted between modules comprises optical signals modulated in accordance with a suitable scheme. For example, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing [OFDM] modulation schemes are used in some embodiments, and the demodulation is from the OFDM modulation scheme. In further embodiments and without limitation, other modulation schemes may be used, for example on-off keying (OOK), phase shift keying (PSK), M-ary pulse amplitude modulation (M- PAM), M-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM), Discrete Hartley transformation. Wavelet packet division multiplexing (WPDM), Hadamard coded modulation (HCM), pulse-position modulation (PPM), Colour shift keying (CSK), carrier-less amplitude and phase (CAP), or discrete multi-tone (DMT). The light may be modulated at a modulation rate between 1 kHz and 1 PHz, for example at a modulation rate between 1 MHz and 100 GHz. The modulation scheme may form part of an OWC communication protocol, such that the optical signal is produced according to the OWC communication protocol. The OWC communication protocol may be packet-based. In embodiments, one or more of the modules may be configured to connect to a network, for example, via an OWC enabled access point.

[0188] Various improvements and modification can be made to the above without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wireless communication system comprising: a first communication module comprising a first digital processor; and a second communication module comprising a second digital processor; wherein: wherein the first communication module comprises a first digital data interface for communication between the first communication module and a first electronic device and wherein the second communication module comprises a second digital data interface for communication between the second communication module and a second electronic device, wherein the first digital processor is coupled to the first digital data interface; and / or the second digital processor is coupled to the second digital data interface; wherein the first and second communication modules are configured to communicate through a barrier using optical wireless communication.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and / or second electronic device is provided in a separate housing to the first and / or second communication modules, optionally wherein the first and / or second digital data interface is a cable or wired data connection.

3. The system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first and / or second electronic device is provided in a common housing to the first and / or second communication modules, optionally wherein the first and / or second digital data interface is a cable or wired data connection4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first digital data interface is configured to be couplable to a first electronic device, and / or the second digital data interface is configured to be couplable to a second electronic device.

5. The wireless communication system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and second communication modules are configured to be attached to opposing surfaces of the barrier.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first and / or second digital data interfaces comprise one or more of an ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a peripheral component interconnect express (PCIe) interface, an HDMI interface, an InfiniBand interface, a Thunderbolt cable interface (for example, Thunderbolt 3), a channels for end points interface, a CAN bus interface, an SPI interface, an SDIO interface, a UART interface, a JESD204B interface, a PON interface, and / or a secondary access point interface.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first digital processor is connected to a further device over the first digital interface, optionally wherein the first module is connected to a further device is provided in a further housing.

8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first communication module comprises a first power supply unit; and the second communication module comprises a second power supply unit, wherein: the first power supply unit is configured to wirelessly supply power to the second power supply unit through the barrier. wherein the second power supply unit is configured to supply power to the second electronic device.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein a combined or shared power and data connection is provided between the first communication module and the first electronic device and / or between the second communication module and the second electronic device.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the power and data connection are provided as part of a combined and / or cable.

11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein data is transferred from the first electronic device to the first module and / or from the second module to the second electronic device digitally.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the digital processor of the first and / or second modules are configured to perform at least one of: error checking; encryption / decryption; authentication; format; de-format, encapsulate or deencapsulate13. The wireless communication system of any preceding claim, wherein: the first communication module is configured to transmit a first communication signal, the first digital signal processor being configured to process the first communication signal prior to transmission, and the second communication module is configured to receive the first communication signal, the second digital processor being configured to process the first communication signal after being received; and / or the second communication module is configured transmit a second communication signal, the second digital signal processor being configured to process the second communication signal prior to transmission, and the first communication module is configured to receive the second communication signal, the first digital processor being configured to process the second communication signal after being received.

14. The wireless communication system of claim 13, wherein the first and / or second communications signals are signals having wavelengths in the visible and / or infrared and / or ultraviolet ranges.

15. The wireless communication system of claim 13 or 14, wherein: the first communication module comprises a first transmitter configured to transmit the first communication signal and / or a first receiver configured to receive the second communication signal; andthe second communication module comprises a second transmitter configured to transmit the second communication signal and / or a second receiver configured to receive the first communication signal.

16. The wireless communication system of claim 15, wherein: the first communication module comprises a first optical front end [OFE] comprising the first transmitter and / or the first receiver; and the second communication module comprises a second optical front end [OFE] comprising the second transmitter and / or the second receiver.

17. The wireless communication system of claim 15 or 16, wherein: the first transmitter and / or the second transmitter comprise one or more light emitters; and / or the first receiver and / or the second receiver each comprise one or more photodetectors.

18. The wireless communication system of any of claim 16 or 17, wherein: the first OFE is coupled to the first digital processor, such that the first digital processor is configured to provide the first communication signal to the first OFE for transmission and / or the first OFE is configured to provide the second communication signal to the first digital processor for processing; and / or the second OFE is coupled to the second digital processor, such that the second digital processor is configured to provide the second communication signal to the second OFE for transmission and / or the second OFE is configured to provide the second communication signal to the second digital processor for processing.

19. The wireless communication system of claim 18, wherein: the first communication module comprises a first conversion module, the first communication module being coupled to the first digital processor via the first conversion module, the first conversion module comprising:i) a first digital to analog converter (DAC) configured to convert the first communication signal from a digital signal to an analog signal prior to transmission by the first OFE; and / or if) a first analog to digital converter [ADC] configured convert the second communication signal from an analog signal to a digital signal prior to processing by the first digital processor; and / or the second communication module comprises a second conversion module, the second conversion module being coupled to the second digital processor via the second conversion module, the second conversion module comprising: i) a second DAC configured to convert the second communication signal from a digital signal to an analog signal prior to transmission by the second OFE; and / or ii) a second ADC configured to convert the first communication signal from an analog signal to a digital signal prior to processing by the second digital processor.

20. The wireless communication system of any of claims 13 to 19, wherein: the first digital processor comprises a first encoding unit configured to encode the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal prior to transmission; and / or the first digital processor comprises a first decoding unit configured to decode the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal after having been received; and / or the second digital processor comprises a second encoding unit configured to encode the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal prior to transmission; and / or the second digital processor comprises a second decoding unit configured to decode the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal after having been received.

21. The wireless communication system of any of claims 13 to 20, wherein:the first digital processor comprises a first error checking unit configured to check for errors in the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal; and / or the second digital processor comprises a second error checking unit configured to check for errors in the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal.

22. The wireless communication system of claim 21, wherein: the first error checking unit is configured to correct errors detected in the second communication signal; and / or the second error checking unit is configured to correct errors detected in the first communication signal.

23. The wireless communication system of claim 22, wherein the first error checking unit and / or the second error checking unit are configured to correct errors using channel coding.

24. The wireless communication system of any of claims 13 to 23, wherein: the first digital processor comprises a first encryption unit configured to encrypt the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal prior to transmission; and / or the first digital processor comprises a first decryption unit configured to decrypt the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal after having been received; and / or the second digital processor comprises a second encryption unit configured to encrypt the second communication signal, thereby processing the second communication signal prior to transmission; and / or the second digital processor comprises a second decryption unit configured to decrypt the first communication signal, thereby processing the first communication signal after having been received.

25. The wireless communication system of any of claims 13 to 24, wherein the first digital processor comprises a first authentication unit and the second digital processor comprises a second authentication unit, the first and second authentication units being configured to authenticate communication between the first and second communication modules.

26. The wireless communication system of any of claims 13 to 25, wherein the first digital processor and / or the second digital processor is configured to format, deformat, encapsulate or de-encapsulate the first and / or second communication signals.

27. The wireless communication system of any preceding claim, wherein: the first communication module comprises a first power supply unit; and the second communication module comprises a second power supply unit.

28. The wireless communication system of any of claims 16 to 27, wherein, the first OFE comprises a first plurality of transmitters comprising the first transmitter and / or a first plurality of receivers comprising the first receiver, and / or the second OFE comprises a second plurality of transmitters comprising the second transmitter and / or a second plurality of receivers comprising the second receiver.

29. The wireless communication system of any of claims 16 to 28, wherein, the first communication module comprises one or more first additional optical front ends OFE] each comprising a first additional transmitter and / or a first additional receiver, and the second communication module comprises one or more second additional optical front ends [OFE] each comprising a second additional transmitter and / or a second additional receiver.

30. A method of wireless communication using the wireless communication system of any preceding claim.

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