Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplex (OFDM) Waveform Optimized for Power Limited Line of Sight (LOS) User Environments Navy SBIR FY2009.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2009.3 Topic No.: N093-218 Topic Title: Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplex (OFDM) Waveform Optimized for Power Limited Line of Sight (LOS) User Environments Proposal No.: N093-218-0351 Firm: GIRD Systems, Inc. 310 Terrace Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45220 Contact: James Caffery Phone: (513) 281-2900 Web Site: www.girdsystems.com Abstract: Under realistic mobile radio link conditions involving ground operation with multipath, or with an extended range, OFDM modulation efficiency quickly decreases. In this SBIR program, GIRD Systems will develop methods by which the communication range of links in OFDM-based mesh networks can be extended. Communication at greater ranges with a fixed transmit power means communication at lower SNRs. In order to reliably detect the transmitted information at a low SNR, a new OFDM waveform will be designed that allows advanced signal processing techniques to be incorporated into the receiver in order to allow data recovery of weak signals in noise. Benefits: OFDM has become the preferred technology on which next generation wireless services are provided. From high definition audio and video to broadband wireless internet connectivity, it is expected that OFDM will continue to form the core of future wireless networks. Consequently, the techniques developed as part of this SBIR will be directly applicable to improving the performance and affordability of all these commercial mobile networks. In particular, the proposed range-extended links would increase the coverage of each access point, thereby reducing the infrastructure cost of the wireless network. Satellite communications can also greatly benefit from improved performance at low SNRs. Return