Aalyria has announced its intention to conduct a feasibility study on ultra-high-speed optical networks connecting aircraft and spacecraft to existing terrestrial fiber networks. This collaborative endeavor with Airbus has two primary objectives: firstly, to enhance air-to-ground and air-to-air free-space optical communication technologies to ensure their seamless integration with terrestrial fiber networks, and secondly, to develop network traffic engineering and orchestration techniques to meet the demands of future aerial and space-based networks.
To expand into new markets and offer innovative services, internet stakeholders are increasingly exploring novel network architectures involving the utilization of airborne and spaceborne platforms to extend their infrastructure. These research technologies are currently indispensable in the connectivity industry.
Chris Taylor, the CEO of Aalyria, expressed, “Through the fusion of cutting-edge technology and aerospace innovation, this collaboration is paving the way for a future in which aircraft seamlessly become natural extensions of terrestrial fiber networks. Aalyria takes pride in our joint effort with Airbus to explore potential new services that could be delivered in the future through this ‘fiber network in the sky,’ creating seamless optical connectivity across aerial and terrestrial networks.”
The demand for high-speed, cost-effective connectivity to aircraft has long been a pressing issue in the market. Recent advancements in free-space optics and all-domain network management capabilities, as developed within the scope of this collaboration, are bringing this vision closer to reality. This research will leverage the strengths of both companies to advance the field of future non-terrestrial networking.
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