EINDHOVEN, Netherlands – Communications startup Aircision recently completed its testing and demonstrated the ability to scale the bandwidth of their internally developed optical head to achieve a system performance of 1.2Tbps using coherent modulation and Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM).
Aircision has been developing its novel and proprietary Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) system since 2019 and has collaborated closely with several parties in the European Photonics Ecosystem.
“Compared to existing radio frequency wireless links, we have demonstrated how Aircision’s high capacity optical wireless technology can deliver the unprecedented bandwidth needed for future networks,” said Fernando Guiomar, Senior Researcher at Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT).
“We are thrilled to demonstrate performance up to 1.2Tbps over a 1.7 km link which is enough data in a single link for over 5,000 homes, and over 80 times more data delivered than a state-of-the-art radio frequency system today. We have proved our optical head has the capability to scale with different modulation formats and higher data rates whilst reducing TCO and sustainability to the operator as we evolve to future 6G networks,” said Robert Hughes, CEO at Aircision.
Aircision sees several market opportunities for its ultra-high-capacity optical wireless links including:
- Data Center Interconnects (DCI) – connecting two or more data centers
- Enterprise/private networks – high-capacity data connectivity for additional security
- Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) – support networks at 5G and beyond
Later this year, Aircision will deploy the first versions of its Blackbird product in rural Africa, United States and Europe to connect the unconnected. In early 2024, Aircision will deploy in volume its first generation products supporting mobile backhaul and broadband links up to and beyond 5km.
Aircision is raising its seed round, which is expected to close in early 2023. With this funding, Aircision will widen its commercial engagement, fund product pilots and expand the team in anticipation of its first production units later in 2023.
Aircision was named a Top 5 Startup in Mobile World Congress’s 4YFN startup competition and will compete for the top prize on March 1 in Barcelona. Aircision will also be at OFC in San Diego between 5-9 March 2023.
About Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT)
Is a private, not-for-profit organization, of public interest. ITs mission is to create and disseminate scientific knowledge in the field of telecommunications. IT currently integrates more than 200 PhD researchers with expertise on optical, radio and microwave communications, networks, and circuit design.
About Aircision
Founded in 2019 and built by HighTechXL, a deep-tech venture builder, Aircision is a Dutch startup and recent spin-off from TNO. Aircision delivers ultra-high-capacity free space optics systems that are deployed fast, cover long distances and are highly secure.
