Drone Control Over Fiber
Fiber Optic Solutions for Non-Tethered Drones – Extension for protected “blind” control
Overview
Optical Zonu provides advanced fiber optic solutions for both tethered and non-tethered drones, meeting the diverse and rigorous demands of modern applications. From surveillance to data collection, drone applications require high-speed, low-latency, and interference-free communication links. Optical Zonu’s fiber optic technology enables drone systems to perform reliably across vast distances and challenging environments, delivering unparalleled data transmission and real-time connectivity.
Fiber Controlled Drones: Reliable Long-Distance Communication
For non-tethered or autonomous drones, Optical Zonu provides advanced RF-over-fiber (RFoF) solutions that allow drones to stay connected over extended distances without heavy RF infrastructure. Whether used for reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, or industrial inspections, fiber drones equipped with Optical Zonu’s fiber optic technology deliver consistent, high-quality communication across broad operating areas.
Advantages of Fiber Optic Technology in Non-Tethered Drones:
- Extended Range: RF-over-fiber extends connectivity range, allowing drones to operate farther from ground stations without compromising data quality. Optical Zonu is transporting the RF signal, which makes the system’s technology independent. These links will work with any drone technology.
- Reduced Weight and Power Consumption: Optical Zonu’s lightweight, low-power fiber optic modules make them ideal for non-tethered drones where payload and battery life are crucial.
- Reliable Data Backhaul: By combining fiber optic transmission with RF links, non-tethered drones achieve dependable long-range communication, suitable for large-scale industrial and environmental operations.
Drone Control Over Fiber
Markets for drone applications are expanding more and more every year. Optical Zonu has developed technology to transmit and receive drone control signals over fiber optic cable. The ability to control remote drone systems over fiber expands the potential applications for this technology. The technology works by providing a bi-directional RF path for the 2.4 and 5.8 GHz unlicensed ISM bands. The path is optimized transport the unlicensed control bands provided by the drones. The system can be used to control drones over a wide area, and in non-line of sight applications. Drone over fiber systems are complex and an experienced sales engineer can help configure a system for you.
In addition to point to point applications with a single outdoor transceiver, the system can be configured as a point to multipoint type distributed antenna system (DAS). These DAS systems can be used to extend the area covered by fiber control to a massive outdoor area. The standard architecture supports up to 8 remote transceiver units from a single master side unit. This system relies on a passive optical multiplexing system to split the single fiber link from the master side unit to the remote side equipment.
Both the master side units and the remote units are IP-68 waterproof rated and are suitable for installation in outdoor environments. They can be configured for +12V power or for -48V power for use with battery backup systems. Singlemode fiber is required for RFoF applications, and a pair of fibers is required for each remote.
Tethered Drones: High-Speed Fiber Optic Connectivity
Tethered drones benefit from continuous, high-capacity data transmission that is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency (RF) disruptions. By using a fiber optic tether, drones maintain an unbroken link with the ground station, ensuring low latency for applications that demand immediate data transmission, such as surveillance, broadcast media, and public safety.
Key Benefits of Fiber Optic Tethered Drones:
- Unlimited Data Transmission: Fiber optics provide superior bandwidth and support ultra-high-definition video feeds and real-time data exchange.
- Reduced Signal Interference: Fiber optics eliminate RF interference, enabling clear, secure data transmission even in congested environments.
- Enhanced Security: Tethered drones using Optical Zonu’s fiber optic systems benefit from encrypted, secure data channels, ideal for sensitive operations.
- Power and Data in One Cable: Our solutions can integrate power delivery alongside data transfer within a single tether, simplifying deployment and operation.
Applications of Optical Zonu Fiber Optic Drones
Optical Zonu’s fiber optic solutions for drones serve a wide range of industries, including:
- Public Safety and Law Enforcement: Real-time situational awareness with secure, uninterrupted data feeds.
- Media and Broadcasting: High-definition video streaming with low latency for live event coverage.
- Industrial Inspections: Efficient data transmission in complex environments, from energy facilities to remote infrastructure.
- Environmental Monitoring: Reliable communication for real-time data collection across challenging terrains.
- Defense and Security: High-bandwidth, secure communication links tailored for mission-critical applications.
Why Choose Optical Zonu for Fiber Optic Drone Solutions?
Optical Zonu offers comprehensive, customizable fiber optic solutions for both tethered and non-tethered drones. With over a decade of expertise in RF and fiber optic technology, we provide:
- Tailored Solutions: Customizable tethering systems for diverse applications.
- Proven Reliability: Durable and field-tested components ensuring uptime and reliability.
- High Quality, U.S. Manufacturing: Made in the USA with rigorous quality standards.
Contact Optical Zonu today to discover how our fiber optic solutions for tethered and non-tethered drones can elevate your operations, ensuring reliable, high-quality communication and data integrity wherever your drones are deployed.