beyondLOS

BeyondLOS is a term used in telecommunications to describe wireless systems that operate when the transmitter and receiver do not have an unobstructed direct path. In such cases signals propagate via indirect routes, including reflection, refraction, diffraction, scattering, and relay-assisted links, sometimes aided by satellites or high-altitude platforms. Technologies commonly involved include multi-hop relay networks, mesh networking, adaptive beamforming and MIMO, and satellite or air-to-ground backhaul that connect distant nodes through intermediate relays.

Operational contexts for beyondLOS include rural broadband deployment where direct line of sight is sparse, dense urban environments with obstructed views, maritime or battlefield scenarios with mobility, and emergency-response situations where infrastructure is compromised. Unmanned aerial vehicles can serve as temporary relay nodes to extend coverage, while ground stations deploy repeater-based architectures to overcome obstructions.

Advantages of beyondLOS approaches include extended geographic reach, improved resilience to blockages, and faster deployment in challenging environments. Limitations include higher latency relative to direct LOS links, increased system complexity and power consumption, spectrum efficiency concerns, and sensitivity to interference and fading. Performance depends on the density of relay nodes, channel conditions, and network protocols.

As a concept, beyondLOS informs design choices across wireless networking, satellite communications, and disaster-response systems.