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Free Space Optics

OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION HOW FSO WORKS ADVANTAGES CHALLENGES SECURITY RELIABILITY CONCLUSION

What is Free Space Optics Free Space Optics is a line of sight optical technology in which voice , video & data are sent through the air on beams of light at the speeds upto 1.25 gbps

Who invented FSO Alexander Graham Bell invented Free-Space Optics over 100 Years ago. He called his invention the "Photophone" and considered it his greatest invention.

Is FSO is a new technology FSO is first develop in 1960 both domestically and internationally for secure communication of military..

Why use FSO: FSO can send large amounts of data (around 2.5 Gbps of data). No need to get a license, the spectrum used is an unlicensed worldwide. Can transmit at distances around 4 km (almost 2 and one half miles). The cost is often less than that of using fiber optic cables. FSO systems can be installed quickly (in days). Because it uses light there is no RF interference.

Issues with FSO Actual transmission rates are weather dependent. Atmospheric attenuation is variable and hard to predict. Distance is limited Vendor max range specifications can be misleading. Lack of standards as of Aug. 2004 ITU still working on 802.16g (Coexistence in License-Exempt bands). FSO may not work well in some locations Fog, dust storms, scintillation Compared to fiber-optics higher launch power is required to get useful distance

How it works FSO technology is based on connectivity between FSO-based optical wireless units, each consisting of an optical transceiver with a transmitter and a receiver to provide full-duplex (bi-directional) capability. Each optical wireless unit uses an optical source, plus a lens or telescope that transmits light through the atmosphere to another lens receiving the information. At this point, the receiving lens or telescope connects to a high-sensitivity receiver via optical fiber.

Application Enterprise Connectivity Health Care Engineering & Design Voice & Data Video Telco Bypass Security Disaster Recovery

Advantages Requires no RF spectrum licensing. Requires no security software upgrades. Is immune to radio frequency interference or saturation. License-free long-range operation (in contrast with radio communication) High bit rates Low bit error rates Immunity to electromagnetic interference Full duplex operation Protocol transparency Very secure due to the high directionality and narrowness of the beam(s)

Disadvantages Beam dispersion Atmospheric absorption Rain Fog Snow Background light Shadowing Pointing stability in wind Pollution / smog If the sun goes exactly behind the transmitter, it can swamp the signal.

How far can an FSO-based optical wireless link go? While many FSO technology providers quote maximum range figures, based on ideal conditions, Light Pointer prefers to cite optimum distances and urges you to use these as points of reference.

What speeds are available with optical wireless products? Light Pointe's current Flight Optical Wireless family provides bandwidth of 100 Mbps, 155 Mbps and 1.25 Gbps.

CHALLENGES… Atmosphere Factors Physical Obstructions Change in pointing stability Scintillation Solar Interfernce

RELIABILITY………. Employing adaptive laser power scheme to adjust the laser power will improve reliability TEC Controller that maintains temperature of laser transmitter maximize reliability and lifetime

: Is free-space optics technology safe? Yes, our products are eye safe and environmentally safe. They meet or exceed standards set by U.S. and international regulatory bodies.

Does weather affect FSO LightPointer's FSO-based products can provide 99.9% availability. This availability is achieved through multi-beam system — the only one of its kind in the industry — which links distances, weather data and network management tools. In addition, we can combine FSO and license-free RF technology to provide an extra layer of redundancy. LightPointer's products have been proven through both deployment and successful field trials with carriers. They operate in a variety of weather conditions, from (-25°C to 50°C).

CONCLUSION… Provides low cost, rapidly deployable method of gaining access to fiber optic backbone FSO complement legacy network investments FSO eliminates the need to obtain costly spectrum licence..