In my search for a perfect backbone link for the network design I’m working on I have come across a solution for short backhaul links, this option doesn’t slow down the further you get from the transmitter nor does it have issues that RF options currently produce. Its not a perfect option due to its packet loss in ail/Snow/Torrential Rain but it offer a solution to most issues faces by current consumer-available 802.x gear

As some of you may have guessed I’m talking about FSO or Free Space Optics. Until a few years ago this option would set you back at least 4 figures per link and when I briefly thought about it I drew the same conclusion. One day I stumbled across a link in IRC the contained the link to Ronja, The open source FSO option, estimated cost per link ~$200. Current design places its range and speed @ 10mb Full Duplex with a max link range of 1.4km. Not bad for a LED driven System. Because it’s LED based it has very few regulations in terms of power and output.

The Ronja project is just over 5 years old and is based in the Czech Republic, it was born out of need after 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz became regulated from what I understand

10mb @ 1.4k is good but it’s still only a 802.11b link full speed so there is a movement to create a 100mbit Ronja and a increased range Ronja, along with moving from LED to IR Laser based transmission. Given the correct amount of funding a 100mbit IR Laser link @ 2km is a feasible in the next 6-12 months and I have enough interest in the project to assist with the testing and development of this project. This will come in the form of money, current estimates put the overall dev cost of a 100mbit version @ $10k Koruny, which is just under $600 NZD, I’m currently talking with the curator of Ronja about setting up a paypal account in order to accept donations worldwide, given the possibility of a reliable fast backbone I have no queries about supporting the project.

I will also be building the current Ronja Design which I shall test in various spots in Wellington like Karori and Makara to find out its current operational capabilities in harsh weather like dense fog and heavy rain, should this prove to be steady with no more than 10-15% Packet loss during harsh weather then I shall invest more into testing and building prototype laser options.
Although the absolute LOS needed by the Ronja and future options is a problem I believe that Ronja project is a viable alternative to the crowded 2.4ghz and expensive 5ghz spectrum and I’m excited about its future possibilities.

I invite all feedback and questions, I will answer what I can and forward those I can’t to the Ronja Team

Oh, the point to this post.... Awareness 8)