Free space optical communication: An

Overview
Jaspreet Kaur, Srishti Sabharwal, Shabnam Khan, Karan Chauhan

Abstract
Free space optics (FSO) is also knows as Fibre Free or Fibreless Optics. It uses the laser
technology to transport the data. In this transportation, the free space acts as medium and in order
to transmit the optical signal successfully the transceivers should be in Line of Sight (LOS). FSO
has emerged as topic of strong interest as it offers advantages like no spectrum license and high
bandwidth. FSO is also regarded as strong candidate that can replace the existing technologies
like radio frequency and is also capable of integrating with cutting edge technologies, such as
5G. The characteristics of free space optics can also aid in deployment of Internet of Things.
This paper includes introduction to Free Space Optics, current state of this technology,
classification of FSO networks, its advantages, disadvantages and various applications.

1. Introduction

In Free Space Optics, the transmission of data takes place with the help of propagation of
light. It allows transmission up to 2.5 Gbps at distance of about 4km [1]. This transmission
does not require optical fiber cable. The Free space optics system deploys optical transceivers
at both ends to enable Bidirectional (Full Duplex) communication. FSO provides bandwidth
scalability, optical base, cost-effectiveness and deployment speed [2].

The characteristics that an effective Fibre space optics should possess are [3]:
(a) The System should be capable of operating over wide temperature ranges to prevent
degradation in performance for outdoor systems.
(b) For longer distance, the system should be able to work at high power levels.
(c) High speed modulation is essential for high speed free space optics systems.

Free space optics was developed over three decades ago for military and aviation purposes to
provide fast communication links. The developments in this technology have made it feasible
to be used in the mainstream communication. FSO generally uses laser beams, however,
other sources; such IR-emitting diodes can also be used.
2. Free space optics versus other modes of communications

2.1 FSO vs. Radio communication[4]:

a) High data rates are provided by optical wireless links, which can be used to aid
broadband data services.
b) The spectrum of FSO is license free. It does not require permission to deploy
optical channels
c) Light beams used in optical wireless communication are immune to
electromagnetic interferences.
d) The components used in optical wireless communication are less expensive than
RF signal equipments and also consume less power.
e) The light beams are not capable of penetrating the walls therefore they cannot
cause mutual interference and thus beams of similar specifications can be used in
close proximity.

2.2 FSO vs. Optical fibre cable[1]:

a) In fibre cable, the signal is sent via cable that acts as guided media. In FOC, the
signal is sent through free space or air.
b) Once the fibre is deployed, it cannot be changed easily according to the needs of
the customers and as a result the amount invested cannot be recovered easily. This
is not the case with FOS.
c) FSO networks work in short optical links i.e. 200 to 2000m, while Optical cable
can be employed for long haul i.e. up to 200km.
d) There is no dispersion in FOS as compared to fiber optic cable.

Table 1 Comparison of FSO with other communication technologies [5]

Digital subscriber
Characteristics FSO Fiber
lines

Topology Mesh, PM,PP PP PP, PM, Mesh

Deployment time Days to weeks 6 months - 1 year 6 months - 1 year

Bandwidth 1.25 Gbps 2 Mbps 10 Gbps

Reliability Medium High High

Limitation of
200-2000m 5.5 Km 200
Distance
3. Free Space Optics Technology

FSO technology consists of two systems, each containing optical transceiver. This optical
transceiver comprises of laser transmitter and full duplex receiver. To send single or multiple
wavelengths via air to the receiver, FSO deploys high power optical source like laser. This
source and telescope sends the light via air or atmosphere to the telescope at receiver end.
The telescope at receiver end uses optical fiber to connect to high-sensitivity receiver.

The data which is to be transmitted is modulated with IR or visible energy and at the
destination; photo detector is used to intercept the beam received. The signal at the end is
then amplified and transmitted to the hardware component.

The coverage area of FSO system is given by the formula:

𝜃
𝑟 = 𝑑 × tan
2
r = Radius of incident light

d = distance

 = beam divergence angle

The system feasibly carries out the transmission if distinct line-of-sight(LOS) is present.
However, in absence of direct LOS; mirrors positioned in strategic manner can be used
to reflect the beam and make communication possible.

4. Classification of Free space networks

The broad classification of FSO networks results in three main categories [6]. These three
types will be discussed in brief.

4.1 Optical wireless sensor networks:

OSWNs use satellites to deliver high bandwidth access to the users. This network
envelops the area of the earth. This network aids in providing data service of
premium quality the isolated areas also. It further comprises of unique free space
links such as: inter satellite, satellite to air, and satellite to surface. Inter satellite link
can also be deployed for communication between different continents.
OSWNs can replace the current technology of wired internet for communication
across the ocean. It will not deploy any infrastructure for establishing the
communication like undersea cables.
 It can also provide broadband wireless service for areas which are isolated.

4.2 Optical Wireless Terrestrial Networks:

These are also termed as Outdoor FSO networks. Point to point connection between
transceivers is provided by OWTNs networks through atmospheric turbulence
channels outdoors. Line of sight is required; therefore the distance covered is from
few hundred meters to tens of Kilometres.
OWTN can replace the optical fiber in communication between building to building
and ship to ship etc. It can even aid mobile terminals. For remote end users where
Fiber to the home cannot be installed, OWTNs can deliver connection over high
bandwidth [4].

4.3 Optical Wireless Home Networks:

OWHNs are referred to as Indoor free space optic networks. These are used for
wireless communication in closed building such as, offices and houses.
LAN consisting of cells can be deployed using OWHNs, and the cells in the LAN
would form different spaces of the respective building [9, 10, 11]. The base station of
each cell is connected with terminals links like IR and LEDs. Since, these cannot
penetrate walls, all the cells are limited to their respective four walls or we can say
rooms. There is no interference with nearby cells which aids in using beams of
similar specifications.

5. Merits

(a) The speed provided by Free space optics is better than broadband.
(b) The installation time of FSO is very small and also it gets installed easily.
(c) The amount of initial investment is low [12].
(d) It does not require spectrum license therefore it acts as straight forward deployment
system.
(e) For FSO, there is no requirement of security system upgradation as it works on Line
of Sight operation.
(f) It can provide high data rate, comparable to fiber cable transmission. However, error
rate is less in FSO.
(g) FSO is immune to interference caused by Radio frequency.
(h) Another Advantage of FSO is Low power usage per transmitted bit.
(i) It provides transmission over high bandwidth.
(j) The transmission takes place with the speed of light as the medium of transmission is air.
6. Demerits

(a) Obstructions caused due to physical components: Skyscrapers, birds, tall trees are some
of the obstructions that can block the beam when it follows the path of Line of sight
(LOS).
(b) Geometric losses: These kinds of losses occur when the beam spreads and are referred to
as optical beam attenuation. It also reduces the power of the signal.
(c) Scintillation: The heat rising from earth and heating ducts lead to variation of temperature
among air packets. The amplitude of the signal is fluctuated and leads to “image dancing”
at the receiving end of FSO.
(d) Absorption: The photons of the light beam gets absorbed by the water molecules in the
surrounding. This results in reduction of power density of the optical beam.
(e) Turbulence due to atmosphere: This occurs because of weather and environmental
phenomena. At different temperatures the winds may mix with parcels in the air which
further leads to changes in the air density which eventually alters the refractive index of
the air.
(f) Scattering: It occurs as result of collision between the optical beam and the scattering
elements. It has no effect on the optical beam energy and depends on the wavelength.
There are three types of scattering:
 Rayleigh scattering: It is also referred to as Molecule scattering and occurs when
the scatterer is smaller than the size of wavelength.
 Mie Scattering: It is also called aerosol scattering and is caused when the
scatterer’s size is comparable with that of the wavelength.
 Nonselective scattering: Also called Geometric scattering and occurs when size of
scatterer is larger than that of wavelength.
(g) Atmospheric attenuation: It occurs due to fog and haze. Dust and rain can also cause
atmospheric attenuation. Attenuation due to haze, depends on the wavelength but
attenuation caused due to fog in not dependent on the wavelength.

7. Applications

(a) Last mile access: FSO can be implemented in the last mile replacing fiber as installing
fiber is costly.
(b) FSO can be deployed by wireless service providers as it does not require license.
(c) FSO can aid to form Storage area network. SAN delivers access to block level data
storage.
(d) FSO can be used to interconnect segments of LAN as it can be installed easily.
(e) If there is failure while transmission through the optical fiber cable, FSO can be used as a
backup link.
 (f) The security provided by FSO and its ability to safely and quickly establish the
connection over large areas, makes it suitable for use in the Military.
(g) It can also be deployed in point to point links. Point to point links consists of connection
between two buildings etc. Point to multipoint links can also be established using FSO.
(h) FSO aids in delivering high speed data service in Wide Area Network (WAN).
(i) FSO can also backhaul the traffic of cellular network from antenna towers to Public
switch telephone network. It accelerates the speed of transmission.

8. Conclusion

Free space optics is the technology destined to grow exponentially. Its ability to transmit
voice, video and data at rate of light, makes it viable choice for aiding in Local, wide and
Metropolitan network. The prominent features of the FSO which provide it edge over other
technology are less cost and installation time. However, its demerits like attenuation due to
obstruction in the medium affect its performance. With keen care and thorough study of the
medium, these problems can be avoided.
In this paper we covered brief overview of the FSO, survey of FSO links including home,
terrestrial and satellite links. Insight of the merits and demerits of the technology and finally
the role it plays in various applications.

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