A Mini Project report submitted on

ARDUINO BASED INTELLIGENT PARKING

CONTROL SYSTEM
A partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Award of the
Degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN ELECTRONICS AND
COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
SUBMITTED

By

CHILUKA SHASHIDHAR (22675A0417)

GONELA SHYAM SUNDER (22675A0431)

Department of Electronics and

Communication Engineering

J.B. INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

UGC AUTONOMOUS

(Accredited by NAAC & NBA, Approved by AICTE & Permanently

affiliated by JNTUH) Yenkapally, Moinabad mandal, R.R. Dist-75 (TS) 2021-2025

I
II
 A Mini Project report submitted on
ARDUINO BASED INTELLIGENT PARKING
CONTROL SYSTEM
A partial fulfilment of the requirement for the Award of the
Degree of
BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN ELECTRONICS AND
COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING
SUBMITTED

By

CHILUKA SHASHIDHAR (22675A0417)

GONELA SHYAM SUNDER (22675A0431)

Under the esteemed guidance of

MRS. A. JYOTHI
Associate Professor-Department of ECE

Department of Electronics and

Communication Engineering

J.B. INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

UGC AUTONOMOUS

(Accredited by NAAC & NBA, Approved by AICTE & Permanently affiliated by

JNTUH) Yenkapally, Moinabad mandal, R.R. Dist-75 (TS) 2021-2025

III
 J.B. INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
UGC AUTONOMOUS

(Accredited by NAAC & NBA, Approved by AICTE & Permanently affiliated by

JNTUH) Yenkapally, Moinabad mandal, R.R. Dist-75 (TS)

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the dissertation work

entitled

ARDUINO BASED INTELLIGENT PARKING CONTROL

SYSTEM was carried out by CHILUKA SHASHIDHAR, GONELA
SHYAM SUNDER bearing 22675A0417, 22675A0431, in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of
Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering of the
J.B. Institute of Engineering and Technology, Hyderabad, during the
academic year 2024-25, is a bonafide record of work carried out
under our guidance and supervision.

The results embodied in this report have not been submitted to any
other University or Institution for the award of any degree or diploma.

MRS. A. JYOTHI Dr. TOWHEED SULTHANA

Associate Professor Professor
Internal guide HOD-ECE
IV
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This is to acknowledgement of the intensive drive

and technical competence of many individuals who have
contributed to the success of our dissertation.

We would like to sincerely thank to our internal

guide, MRS. A. JYOTHI, Associate Professor who
stimulated many thoughts for this project and Staff-
Members of Department of ECE for their goodwill gestures
towards me.

We are very grateful to Dr. Towheed Sulthana,

Professor & HOD, ECE who has not only shown at most
patience, but fertile in suggestions, vigilant in directions of
error and who have been infinitely helpful.

We wish to express deepest gratitude and thanks to Principal

Dr. P.C. KRISHNAMA CHARY for his constant support
and encouragement in providing all the facilities in the
college to do the project work.

CHILUKA SHASHIDHAR (22675A017)

GONELA SHYAM SUNDER (22675A0431)

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CHAPTE PAGE
R
Abstract 1

1. Introduction 2
2. Current schemes of wireless communications 5-10
2.1 Satellite 11
2.2 Radio 11
2.3 Mobile Phone 12

3 Problems With Conventional Wireless 13-14

Communication
3.1 Permissions 14-15

3.2 License fees 16

3.3 Lack of international standardization 16-25

3.4 Wasteful of power 16-18

3.5 Security 19-21

4 Why Optical Wireless 21-22

5 WOC Products in the International Market 22-25

6 Industry Problems 25

6.1 High-speed, highcost niche 26

6.2 Competition 26-29

6.2.1 Optic Fiber 29-33

6
6.2.2 3G 34

6.2.3 802.11b 34-35

7. Recent Developments in WOC 36

7.1 The Video Camera, laser pointer combination 36-37

7.2 The highspeed solution with custom hardware 38

8. Adapting the Technology to the Indian Rural 38

Situation
9. Conclusion 38

References 38

7
FIGURE PAGE
1 In WOC the channel used is Air 12
2 Classification of wireless optical 13
communication systems
3 Satellite wireless optical communication 14
system
4 Free Space Optics in WOC 17
5 Satellite Communication 19
6 Radio Communication 21
7 The Video Camera, Laser Pointer 22
Combination

8
ABSTRACT
This paper deals with the Wireless Optical Communication (WOC). In
this paper we mainly discuss the problems with the conventional methods
of communication such as Permissions, License fees, Lack of International
standardization, Wastage of power and Security and how this new
technology of WOC can be used to overcome these problems, along with
its own set of advantages. WOC presents an innovative way to bridge the
digital divide. The adoption of this technology can significantly improve
connectivity in remote regions. Moreover, the low maintenance and
energy-efficient nature of WOC make it an attractive alternative. The
paper also highlights future developments in WOC and its role in shaping
next-generation communication systems. Additionally, WOC-based
devices can be developed at a lower cost, making them affordable and
accessible. We also discuss about the competitions it is facing and how it
stands apart, and finally how low cost user friendly devices built using this
technology can be used in the Rural Indian Scenario.

9
1. INTRODUCTION
As the term wireless optical communications (WOC) suggests, this is a
group of technologies that use light to communicate through the air, and
require clear line of sight between units. Modern systems typically use
lasers or light-emitting diodes to produce the light at one end, while photo
diodes at the receiver sense the incoming light, and send an appropriate
signal to a connected computer.

Fig 1: In WOC the channel used is Air

In the telecommunications space, WOC systems are in use in niche

applications, mostly for high- bandwidth applications needing to transfer
hundreds of megabits per second, over distances typically less than a
kilometer. Recent developments promise to bring WOC into the realm of
inexpensive consumer products.
Over the last few years, massive expansion in WOC technology has
been observed due to huge advances in optoelectronic components and

10
tremendous growth in the market offering wireless optical devices. It
seems to be one of the promising technologies for addressing the problem
of huge bandwidth requirements and “last mile bottleneck.” There are
many commercial applications of WOC technology which includes
ground-to-LEO, LEO-to-GEO/LEO-to-ground, GEO- to-ground,
LEO/GEO-to-aircraft, deep space probes, ground stations, unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs), high-altitude platforms (HAPs), etc. [1–4]. It also
finds applications in the area of remote sensing, radio astronomy, space
radio commu- nication, military, etc. When WOC technology is used over
very short distances, it is termed as FSO interconnects (FSOI), and it
finds applications in chip-to- chip or board-to-board interconnections.
FSOI has gained popularity these days as it potentially addresses
complex communication requirement in optoelectronic devices. This
technology offers the potential to build interconnection networks with
higher speed, lower power dissipation, and more compact packages than
possible with electronic very large-scale integration (VLSI) technology.
However, the cost of optoelectronic devices, their integration, and overall
packaging makes FSOI a costly affair. A throughput upto 1 Tbps per
printed circuit board (PCB) has been experimentally demonstrated in [5]
using 1000 channels per PCB with 1 mm optical beam array at 1 Gbps per
channel.

11
2. HISTORY
The first experiment of transmitting signal over the atmosphere was
conducted by Alexander Graham Bell in 1880. He used sunlight as a
carrier to transmit voice signal over a distance of about a few feet.
However, the experiment was not successful due to inconsistent nature of
the carrier. Later, in the 1960s, Theodore
H. Maiman discovered the first working laser at Hughes Research
Laboratories, Malibu, California. From this point onward, the fortune of
FSO has changed. Vari- ous experiments were conducted in military and
space laboratories to demonstrate FSO link. In the 1970s, the Air Force
sponsored a program known as Space Flight Test System (SFTS) to
establish satellite to ground link at Air Force ground station, New Mexico.
The program was later renamed as Airborne Flight Test System. This
program achieved its first success in the 1980s where a data rate of 1 Gbps
was demonstrated from aircraft to ground station. After this, a flurry of
demonstrations were recorded during the 1980s and 1990s. They include
Laser Cross-Link Sub- system (LCS), Boost Surveillance and Tracking
System (BSTS), Follow-On Early Warning System (BSTS), and many
more. A full duplex ground to space laser link known as Ground/Orbiter
Laser Communication Demonstration was first established in 1995–1996
by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in
conjunction with Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). In addition to this,
various demonstrations were carried out for deep space and inter-satellite
missions such as Mars Laser Communication Demonstration (MLCD)
and Space Inter- satellite Link Experiment (SILEX), respectively.

12
 Fig. 2 Classification of wireless optical communication systems

Very large-scale development is carried out by NASA in the USA,

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in India, European Space
Agency (ESA) in Europe, and National Space Development Agency
(NSDA) in Japan. Demonstrations have established a full duplex FSO link
with high data rates between various onboard space stations and ground
stations, inter-satellite, etc. with improved reliability and 100 %
availability. Besides FSO uplink/downlink, extensive research is carried
out for FSO terrestrial links, i.e., link between two buildings to establish
local area network segment that will provide last mile connectivity to the
users.

Fig.3: Satellite wireless optical communication system

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 FSO communication is well suited for densely populated urban areas
where digging of roads is cumbersome. Terrestrial FSO links can be used
either for short range (few meters) or long range (tens of km). Short-range
links provide high- speed connectivity to end users by interconnecting
local area network segments that are housed in building separated within
the campus or different building of the company. Long-range FSO
communication links extend up to existing metropolitan area fiber rings
or to connect new networks. These links do not reach the end user but
they extend their services to core infrastructure. FSO communication
system can also be deployed within a building, and it is termed as indoor
wireless optical communication (WOC) system. This short-range indoor
WOC system is a futuristic technology and is gaining attention these days
with the advancement of technology involving portable devices, e.g.,
laptops, personal digital assistants, portable telephonic devices, etc.

14
 Fig.4: Free Space Optics in WOC

3. CURRENT SCHEMES OF WIRELESS

COMMUNICATIONS

In the last decades, the use of wireless has grown at a furious pace. The
advantages of wireless are rapid deployment, without the need to dig
trenches for cables, and seek permissions for right of way. A big advantage
of wireless is in allowing people to communicate while they are mobile.
The systems in common use are:

3.1. Satellite

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 While satellites in low-earth orbit are sometimes used for communication,
the most common are geostationary satellites, which are stationed
approximately 34000 km away. These are particularly useful to bring
communications to remote areas, and are also well suited to situations
where the same content has to be delivered to a large number of people, as
in the case of radio (Worldspace) and TV. Satellites, of course, are
expensive to make and to maintain.

Fig.5: Satellite Communication

Satellite optical communication systems use laser-based transmission to

enable high-speed, secure, and efficient data transfer between satellites,
ground stations, and space missions. Unlike traditional radio frequency
(RF) communication, optical communication offers significantly higher
data rates, reduced power consumption, and enhanced security. The key
components of these systems include laser transmitters, optical receivers,
beam steering mechanisms, adaptive optics, and optical amplifiers, all of
which work together to ensure precise and reliable signal transmission.
One of the biggest advantages of satellite optical communication is its
ability to achieve data rates in the terabits per second (Tbps) range while
avoiding RF spectrum congestion. Additionally, optical communication

16
provides stronger security, as laser beams are difficult to intercept or jam.
However, challenges such as atmospheric interference, the need for precise
alignment, and high initial costs remain barriers to widespread adoption.
Major space organizations like NASA, ESA, and JAXA are actively
developing and testing optical satellite communication technologies, with
projects like NASA’s Laser Communications Relay Demonstration
(LCRD) and ESA’s European Data Relay System (EDRS) pushing the
boundaries of high-speed space networking. Companies like SpaceX and
Telesat are also integrating optical links into their satellite constellations to
improve global internet connectivity. As research advances, optical satellite
communication is expected to play a crucial role in deep-space exploration,
global broadband services, and quantum-secure communication networks.
The future of this technology looks promising, with innovations such as
quantum key distribution (QKD) over satellites paving the way for ultra-
secure, next-generation communication systems. Satellite optical
communication systems represent a significant advancement in space-
based networking, utilizing laser technology to transmit data with
unprecedented speed and efficiency. Unlike traditional radio frequency
(RF) systems, which are constrained by spectrum congestion and limited
bandwidth, optical communication offers data rates in the terabits per
second (Tbps) range, making it ideal for high-volume data transfer
applications such as Earth observation, deep-space missions, and global
broadband services. The technology relies on laser transmitters, optical
receivers, beam steering mechanisms, and adaptive optics to ensure precise
and reliable signal transmission across vast distances. One of its key
advantages is reduced power consumption, allowing satellites to operate
more efficiently while transmitting large amounts of data. Additionally,
optical communication enhances security, as laser beams are highly
directional and difficult to intercept or jam, making it a preferred choice for

17
military and secure governmental communications. Despite these benefits,
challenges such as atmospheric interference, precise alignment
requirements, and high initial deployment costs must be addressed for
widespread adoption. Atmospheric conditions like clouds, turbulence, and
fog can disrupt optical signals, necessitating the use of adaptive optics and
relay satellites to maintain connectivity. Leading space organizations and
private companies are actively investing in this technology, with NASA’s
Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD), the European Space
Agency’s (ESA) European Data Relay System (EDRS), and JAXA’s Laser
Inter-satellite Link (LIS) demonstrating its viability. Additionally,
companies like SpaceX and Telesat are integrating optical communication
into their satellite constellations to enhance global internet coverage. As
research progresses, future developments such as free-space optical
networking and quantum key distribution (QKD) are expected to
revolutionize space communication, enabling ultra-secure and highly
efficient global networks. Optical satellite communication will likely play a
crucial role in deep-space exploration, interplanetary communication, and
next-generation broadband services, making it a key technology for the
future of space and telecommunications.

3.2. RADIO

Over the years, a plethora of systems for radio communication have been
developed. These use a variety of frequencies, as well as protocols for
modulating the carrier frequency with data, and cover ranges from a few to
thousands of kilometers. Perhaps the best recognized examples of such
communication are the microwave towers scattered around the countryside.
In optical wireless communication (OWC), the integration of radio
frequency (RF) signals alongside optical signals creates hybrid

18
communication systems that leverage the strengths of both technologies. RF
communication provides long-range coverage and is well-established with
applications such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks. On the other
hand, optical communication, particularly through free-space optics (FSO),
offers high bandwidth and reduced interference, making it ideal for short-
range, high-speed data transmission.

Fig.6: Radio Communication

The combination of RF and optical systems allows for complementary

coverage, where RF handles broader connectivity and optical systems
provide higher data rates in line-of-sight conditions. This hybrid approach is
particularly useful in applications like Li-Fi, autonomous vehicles, and
satellite communication, where both flexibility and high-speed performance
are crucial. Despite the advantages, challenges such as integration
complexity, environmental factors, and potential interference between the
two signals need careful consideration for optimal system design.
Ultimately, this integration enhances the overall efficiency and robustness
of wireless communication systems. The integration of radio frequency (RF)
and optical wireless communication (OWC) systems offers significant advantages
in terms of both performance and flexibility. RF communication is widely used for
long-distance transmission and offers reliable coverage in environments with less

19
strict line-of-sight requirements. However, optical systems, such as free-space
optics (FSO), are capable of providing much higher data rates due to their vast
available bandwidth in the optical spectrum, enabling faster communication. By
combining these two technologies, hybrid systems can deliver a more robust
solution that capitalizes on the benefits of both RF and optical signals. For
instance, in environments where line-of-sight conditions are possible, optical
systems can achieve high-speed data transfer, while RF systems can ensure
connectivity in areas where optical communication may be disrupted due to
obstacles or atmospheric conditions.
Additionally, hybrid RF-optical systems are highly beneficial in modern
applications such as Light Fidelity (Li-Fi), where visible light is used for
high-speed communication, complemented by RF systems for control and
management. In autonomous vehicles, RF handles the mobile
communication for vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) links, while optical
communication can be employed for high-bandwidth data exchange.
Similarly, satellite and ground communication systems can integrate RF
signals for broad coverage and optical signals for high-capacity, long-
distance data transfer. However, the challenge lies in the complexity of
integrating these technologies, ensuring smooth synchronization, and
managing interference between the RF and optical components.
Environmental factors such as weather conditions can also impact optical
communication, while RF systems may suffer from bandwidth limitations
or congestion. Despite these challenges, the hybridization of RF and optical
wireless communication systems paves the way for advanced, high-
performance networks that can meet the growing demands of data-intensive
applications across various industries.

3.3. MOBILE PHONE

With the advent of mobile phones, wireless communications reached the man in

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the street. Here too, there are several systems in use, both analog and digital, in a
variety of frequencies and incompatible standards. GSM and CDMA have emerged
as the dominant systems in this space. Such systems can also be used for sending
data at fairly slow speeds -- 9.6 kilobits per second is typical. They also need an
expensive central switch - mobile phones cannot talk directly to each other. 3.3
Mobile Phone
With the advent of mobile phones, wireless communication has experienced a
significant transformation, making it possible for individuals to access
communication services regardless of their location. The rapid development and
widespread adoption of mobile technology have revolutionized the way we
communicate, allowing wireless communication to reach the masses. However, the
mobile phone network landscape has been marked by the use of several different
systems, both analog and digital, which operate across various frequencies. Many of
these systems, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code
Division Multiple Access (CDMA), have been developed using distinct standards,
resulting in a fragmented network environment with varying levels of
interoperability.

Evolution and Types of Mobile Communication Systems

In the early days of mobile communication, analog systems such as the Advanced
Mobile Phone System (AMPS) dominated the market. These systems, which were
based on analog signals, suffered from limitations related to capacity, voice quality,
and security. As mobile communication became more widespread and demands for
higher quality and better coverage increased, the industry transitioned to digital
systems. This transition led to the development of technologies like GSM and
CDMA.
GSM, developed in the 1980s in Europe, is one of the most widely adopted digital
mobile communication standards globally. It operates in multiple frequency bands
and uses time-division multiple access (TDMA) to allow multiple users to share the
same frequency channel by dividing the signal into time slots. GSM became the
dominant standard for mobile communications due to its reliability, global reach, and

21
the ability to support voice and low-speed data services. It has evolved over time
with several improvements, including Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
(EDGE) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), which provide data services at
relatively low speeds.
On the other hand, CDMA, initially developed by Qualcomm, is another major
digital standard. Unlike GSM, which uses time-division multiplexing, CDMA
utilizes code-division multiplexing, allowing multiple users to share the same
frequency channel by assigning unique codes to each communication. CDMA was
widely adopted in regions such as the United States and parts of Asia, offering better
call quality, longer battery life, and improved security compared to analog systems.
CDMA-based technologies have also evolved over time, with the introduction of 3G
and 4G standards, leading to faster data speeds and enhanced mobile capabilities.

Mobile Data Transfer

Mobile phones, particularly in the earlier stages of their development, were primarily
designed for voice communication. However, as mobile technology progressed, the
need for data transfer capabilities arose. Both GSM and CDMA systems have been
used to send data, but the speeds have typically been slow compared to modern
standards. For example, a typical speed for early mobile data transfer was 9.6
kilobits per second (kbps). While this speed was sufficient for basic text messaging,
email, and small file transfers, it was not sufficient to handle more data-intensive
applications such as video streaming, web browsing, and file sharing.
Over time, mobile data services improved, especially with the introduction of
technologies like GPRS, EDGE, and later 3G and 4G LTE. These advancements in
mobile data transmission allowed for faster internet access, enabling users to browse
websites, stream music and videos, and use a wide range of data services. The
adoption of 3G and 4G networks also paved the way for the development of
smartphones, which are capable of supporting high-speed internet browsing and a
multitude of multimedia services.
Despite these advancements, early mobile phones had limitations in terms of their
ability to send data at high speeds, and even with digital networks, the speeds were

22
not competitive with wired broadband connections. These limitations were also
reflected in the need for mobile phones to rely on expensive central switches for
communication. Unlike traditional landline networks, where calls could be directly
connected from one phone to another, mobile phones required the use of central
switching stations, or Mobile Switching Centers (MSCs), which were responsible for
routing calls and messages between users. This added an extra layer of complexity
and cost to the operation of mobile networks.

Centralized Switching and Network Infrastructure

One of the defining features of mobile phone systems, especially in the early days,
was the reliance on expensive central switches and infrastructure. Unlike traditional
landline systems, where direct communication could occur between two users
through a physical wire, mobile phones cannot communicate directly with each
other. Instead, mobile calls, messages, and data transfers are routed through
centralized mobile network infrastructure, which consists of various components
such as MSCs, base stations, and gateways.
The MSC is responsible for routing calls and messages between mobile phones
within a specific geographic area, as well as managing call handoffs between
different network cells.This centralized approach adds to the cost of operating
mobile networks, as it requires significant investment in infrastructure, including the
construction of base stations and switching centers.
The need for centralized switching also presents certain limitations, such as reduced
flexibility and potential bottlenecks in network performance. As the number of
mobile users increased, the demand for more efficient network infrastructure grew,
leading to the development of more sophisticated systems for call routing and data
transfer. Modern mobile networks, particularly with the advent of 4G and 5G
technologies, have sought to reduce the reliance on central switches through the
implementation of technologies such as Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and direct device-
to-device communication, enabling more efficient and faster communication.

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3. PROBLEMS WITH CONVENTIONAL WIRELESS
COMMUNICATIONS
Conventional wireless communication systems, while widely used, face several
challenges that hinder their performance and expansion. These issues include
regulatory requirements, high costs, inefficiencies, and security concerns.

3.1 Permissions
The radio spectrum is highly regulated all over the world. The first reason for this is
interference. Unless care is taken to carefully design systems that either use
completely disparate frequencies, or the antennae are carefully directed so that the
beams don't interfere, radio communication breaks down. Obtaining these
permissions involves navigating complex bureaucratic processes that can be time-
consuming and expensive. The regulations surrounding the construction of these
systems are often varied by country or region, adding complexity for service
providers aiming to expand their networks or reach underserved areas. These
challenges can delay deployment, increase operational costs, and prevent access to
certain markets. The second reason for strict regulation is security. The World War II
image of the spy with a radio transmitter in his attic seems to persist in bureaucratic
minds to this day, even though spies now have far easier ways to send information
home- such as hotmail.

3.2 License fees

As users and uses for wireless communication have increased, radio spectrum has
become increasingly scarce. Operators are required to pay substantial fees to access
certain frequency bands to operate their networks. These fees are typically set by
regulatory bodies and can be prohibitively expensive, especially for smaller players
in the market. In some cases, these high fees limit competition and create
monopolies or oligopolies, reducing consumer choice and driving up costs.
Furthermore, high license fees add to the cost of network infrastructure, which is
ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher service charges. Auctioning
thin slices of it has become highly lucrative for governments. Typically, such license

24
fees are not just one-time, but annual.

3.3 Lack of International standardization

Despite the of best international efforts of organizations such as the ITU, major
markets, such as the US, Europe and Japan, have not always been able to agree on
what frequency to use for which purpose. Different countries and regions often use
different frequencies, protocols, and technologies, which makes it difficult for
networks to interoperate seamlessly. This lack of uniformity creates barriers for
international communication, complicates the use of mobile phones across borders,
and limits the growth of global services. It also prevents the global standardization of
new technologies, hindering collaboration and innovation in the wireless
communication industry. As a result, the same product cannot be used across
countries, a situation mobile phone users are familiar with. This reduces the level of
mass production possible, leading to higher cost.

3.4 Wasteful of power

Radio transmissions are hard to focus. As a result, only a very tiny portion of the
energy transmitted is actually picked up by the receiver. For example, cell towers
and other infrastructure require a significant amount of energy to transmit signals,
and mobile devices may consume excessive battery life when connecting to distant
towers. The power-intensive nature of traditional systems not only results in higher
operational costs but also contributes to environmental concerns. Additionally, the
inefficient use of energy impacts the sustainability of wireless networks, making
them less viable as a long-term solution in areas with limited access to power. This
problem, or course, becomes more acute as the distance between sender and receiver
increases, and is the bane of satellite communications. Particularly in rural areas,
power is scarce and expensive. For instance, if solar power is used, it is not unusual
for the power source to cost as much as the rest of the communication equipment.

25
3.5 Security
Because radio transmissions expand outward in a large cone, people other than the
desired recipient can pick up the transmission. Despite the use of encryption and
other security measures, wireless networks remain susceptible to attacks such as
jamming and spoofing, where unauthorized entities can gain control of or disrupt the
network. As more sensitive data is transmitted over wireless networks, ensuring their
security becomes increasingly critical to prevent financial loss, theft of intellectual
property, and personal privacy violations. Unless quality software encryption is
employed, which still happens rather rarely, radio communication is easy to
intercept. Illegal use of radio communication is also fairly easy to detect.

4. Why Optical Wireless

Optical communication is, as a rule, a completely unregulated market,
except to the extent required to protect the human eye from a strong
beam. Under the IEC 8025 standard, to be unconditionally safe, devices
must conform to a CLASS 1 designation This permits viewing at any
range over any duration even using optical aids such as binoculars. The
miliwatts of power typically used by modern optical communication
systems are well below such limits. Since the frequencies used are
unregulated, they attract no license fees, while the same frequencies can
be used all over the world, eliminating the need for different models for
different countries. A solution for South Asia could therefore easily be
exported. Laser beams can easily be focused very narrowly. "Laser
pointers are cheap examples demonstrating mill radian collimation from
a millimeter aperture. To get similar collimation for a 1 GHz RF signal
would require an antenna 100 meters across, due to the difference in
wavelength of the two transmissions. A similar advantage is seen at the
receiver, where compact lenses can be used for optical beams, while

26
 radio signals need large and unwieldly antennae at the receiver end as
well, to obtain significant improvement in efficiency. Because laser
beams are tightly focused, it is nearly impossible for anyone to intercept
them, or even to detect their use. Beams of light effortlessly pass
through each other, without interfering. These considerations make it
unlikely that optical communication will be regulated even in the future.
Additionally, OWC systems suffer less interference from external signals, as
light waves are less affected by obstacles and environmental factors than RF
signals. This makes OWC more reliable in dense environments or areas with
high wireless congestion. Moreover, OWC is inherently more energy-efficient
than RF communication systems, particularly over shorter distances. The
reduced power consumption leads to lower operational costs and a smaller
carbon footprint, making OWC an environmentally sustainable solution.
Another significant advantage of OWC is its security. Optical signals
are more difficult to intercept than radio frequency signals, offering a
more secure means of communication. Because light waves are confined
to a specific path and do not penetrate walls like RF waves, OWC
provides enhanced privacy and security, making it ideal for sensitive or
confidential communications.

5. WOC Products In The International Market

While most products allow only point to-point communication,
companies such as Air Fiber and Terabeam have brought out products
that easily allow a mesh of links between nodes to be set up. Prices are
in the thousands, if not tens of thousands of dollars. The global market
for Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) products has seen
significant growth due to increasing demand for high-speed, secure, and
energy-efficient communication systems. One of the most well-known

27
 products in the OWC market is Li-Fi (Light Fidelity), which utilizes
visible light to provide internet connectivity at speeds much higher than
traditional Wi-Fi. Li-Fi has gained attention in various sectors, such as
telecommunications, education, and healthcare, where high-speed data
transfer is crucial. Unlike Wi-Fi, which uses radio frequencies, Li-Fi can
offer increased security as it is limited to a specific area and cannot
penetrate walls.

6. Industry Problems
The narrow beams used in wireless optical communications need to stay
focused, even through wind and vibration. This requires special
hardware for automatic alignment. Then again, weather and flying birds
can interfere with quality reception. Consequently, the difficulties faced
by the industry include:

6.1 High-Speed, High Cost Niche

The products available in the market provide orders of bandwidth more
than what the consumer needs, at a price she cannot afford. They are
used when other methods are infeasible, or when a large amount of
bandwidth needs to be provided at short notice, for instance during a
conference.

6.2 Competition
Telecommunications is an industry with a high rate of innovation, with a
variety of systems in use, which WOC must compete with. These
include systems both, in the wired and wireless space. Only those that
offer broadband connectivity are discussed here.

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6.2.1 Optic Fiber
Much investment has taken place all over the world in this technology,
which for long-distance high bandwidth traffic has no equal. However,
there are limitations: Almost 90 percent of all office buildings in the
United States have no fiber connection. To link a building with fiber
costs between $100,000 and $200,000 and often involves a provisioning
delay of four to 12 months. Given the cost and time required, it is not
realistic to expect optic fiber to reach all our villages any time soon.

6.2.2 3G
Telecommunications companies have invested heavily in this, which is
supposed to connectivity deliver to mobile broadband phones.
Exorbitant license fees have already heavily burdened this technology.
In addition, there does not appear to be global agreement on the
frequencies and protocols to be used. Besides, the technology isn't
available yet. In the absence of clear demand at the price point that the
telecom service providers will need to charge, many have delayed their
deployment plans, leading some experts to believe that this technology
is stillborn.

6.2.3 802.11b
This standard defines equipment for wireless Local Area Networks of
PCs, and has a normal range of a couple of hundred feet. However,
innovative people found a way, using highly directional antennae, and a
low-loss cable between PC and antenna, to extend the range to several
kilometers. The 2.4 GHz frequency employed is delicensed in many
parts of the world. As a result of the high volumes of production this

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 allows, the cost of the hardware is only a few thousand Rupees, which
might make it attractive for interconnecting villages. While in India an
announcement was made that the technology will be delicensed for
indoor use, it is not clear when outdoor use over such distances will be
similarly treated. While permission can be obtained for outdoor use
from the government, at present, fairly steep license fees are levied. A
fall in price of the hardware combination of computer, 802.11b card,
cable and antenna to a level that the average villager can afford is not
expected any time soon.

7. Recent Developments In WOC

The advantages of wireless optical, and the problems its competitors

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face, make this area very promising, and naturally the subject of
considerable research around the world Two examples from work done
at the University of Berkeley are described below,

7.1 The Video Camera, Laser Pointer Combination

Using a standard CCD camera with a 1-inch aperture lens as the
receiver, and a laser radiating less than 2mW average, M. Last and
others were able to establish communications during the day time over a
distance of over 20 km. Since the camera scans at 60 frames per second,
they were only able to receive at 4 bits per second, albeit from dozens of
sources simultaneously. This technology uses lasers to transmit data
while video cameras track the signals, ensuring alignment and precision.
This combination offers high bandwidth communication over short to
medium distances and is particularly useful in secure communication
scenarios, such as financial transactions or military applications. A
village wishing to exchange short messages with neighboring ones
could set up such a system using off the shelf components very quickly.

Fig.7: The Video Camera, Laser Pointer Combination

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7.2 The High Speed Solution With Custom Hardware
Using imaging hardware in which each pixel can be independently
processed and therefore "is a fully independent megabit/second
receiver" automatic and beam steering using computer-controlled
stepper motors, it is possible, for a few hundred dollars, to make
communication equipment that has a range of several kilometers, and
the ability that the equipment at each ends locates the other
automatically. These custom solutions allow for faster data transmission
rates and increased reliability. By using specialized optical components,
OWC systems can support demanding applications such as real-time
video streaming, data centers, and other high-bandwidth requirements.
These advances make OWC a more viable alternative to traditional
wireless communication systems in specific industries. Data throughput
in megabits per second- enough for quality video conferencing- is easily
achievable.

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8. Adapting The Technology To The Indian Rural
Situation
Any product for rural India must take into account the limited
purchasing power of the average villager. A low cost end-user device
would go a long way to making this technology a success in India. A
laser pointer, photo diode, some simple electronics, a loudspeaker and
microphone could be combined into a small package and made in large
quantities for a couple of hundred rupees. This could provide the farmer
in the field voice communication with the village, of a quality better
than FM radio- all he would need to do, would be to point the device
towards the camera mounted at a high point in the village. For one-way
communication via Morse code, the farmer would only need a cheap
laser pointer. Optical Wireless Communication (OWC) presents a unique
opportunity for bridging the digital divide in rural India, where conventional
communication infrastructure is often lacking. Many rural areas in India suffer
from limited access to reliable, high-speed internet, and installing fiber-optic
cables or cellular towers can be logistically challenging and expensive.
OWC technologies such as Li-Fi and Free-Space Optics (FSO) can
help overcome these obstacles by offering low-cost alternatives. Li-Fi,
for example, can leverage existing lighting infrastructure to provide
high-speed internet, while FSO can deliver point-to-point
communication over long distances without the need for costly cables.
These technologies can be particularly beneficial in remote villages
where connectivity is limited, providing better access to education,
healthcare, and government services. By adapting OWC to the rural
context, India can improve the quality of life and ensure greater
inclusion for its rural population.

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9. CONCLUSION
Wireless optical communication has advanced far enough, that it
encompasses all the benefits of conventional wireless deployment and
quick mobile communication, while delivering a million times more
bandwidth than a GSM phone, providing much higher security and
consuming far less power. Since, unlike conventional wireless, optical
devices operate in globally unregulated frequency bands, they have an
unrestricted global market. To make this technology marketable in rural
South Asia, an end-user device costing under $10 is needed. A
telephone handset that communicates optically with the base station
would fit the bill.Our electrical industry has an understanding of the
manufacturing processes of Opto-electronic equipment. Moving in a hi-
tech direction such as this is becoming imperative for companies
threatened by competition from across the Chinese border.

34
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