Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Invented by Alexander Graham Bell, before the telephone  He considered this superior to the telephone Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 40 years ago, FSOs were developed for companies and military defense  Development of lasers Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Uses light emitting diode (LED) or laser light for data transmission through air  Each unit contains: › High-sensitivity receiver › Optical fiber › Lens or telescope Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Distance Range: meters  Speed Range: 100 Mbps – 1.25 Gbps  Receives and transmits up to four different light beams of data  Auto-tracking feature  Cost: $12,900 - $14,900 for two FlightStrata units Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Free Space Optics must compete with environment  Fog, physical obstructions, and sun scintillation can all interfere with FSOs.  Even birds can cause a line of communication to be dropped Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 FSOs are reliable  Work well in campus environment and speed up wireless communications  Back up to already installed wireless communications Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Line of sight connection encourages easy and inexpensive set up  Free Space Optics (FSO) can be used throughout our campus quickly and securely Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Hard to intercept  Encrypted connection  Unlimited transmitters and receivers Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 “Last Mile” Problem › Reduce cost › Connect to Local Area Network › Secure network › Closes the gap and provides new customers with access Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Kogod and SIS renovations › Recreate our connectivity › Safe connection with minimal planning and deployment time › Security of a cable connection Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Increase speed of connectivity  More secure and less expensive  Portable  Reduce the cost of the “last mile” problem Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Can be used: › When adding new buildings our campus network › For relocating offices to nearby buildings › As an alternative to repairing damaged wires › To speed up current connections and maintain security Why Free Space Optics? What are Free Space Optics? Application to American University

 Questions?

Acampora, Anthony. "Last Mile by Laser." Scientific American 17 June Apr “A New Old Idea.” Economist Sept. 2007: 3-4. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. American University Lib. 2 April 2008 “Consulting Services.” Onsite Network Consulting: Delta Technical Services. Apr “FSO Free Space Optics.” Sona Optical Wireless. 2 April 2008 < optics.org/> Harvard Broadband Communications Labratory. "HBBCL Free-Space Optical Communications." Free Space Optical Communications. 1 Apr LightPointe Communications. "Free Space Optics: Technology." LightPointe Apr

“ikonz: Information Services.” Apr “Laser Military Experiment.” Apr ment.jpg LightPointe April 2008 “Multi-rate laser pulses could boost outdoor optical wireless performance.” Penn State Live. Oct 27, Apr "optics: industry report. " Laser Focus World 1 May 2007: 57. Sciences Module. ProQuest. American University Library, Washington, DC. 2 Apr “Meltdown.” Second Skin. Apr “Telephone. Alexander Graham Bell.” Design Technology Department. Apr “Wireless Service Provider.” Sona Optical Wireless. 2 April