Why free space is used in optical communication?

Why free space is used in optical communication?

Licence free As the RF spectrum becomes increasingly congested, free space optical communications (FSOC) offers an alternative. Not only does it offer greater bandwidth and security it avoids spectrum conflict. Unlike RF, the laser beam is highly directional and different links do not interfere with each other.

What are pros and cons of free space communication vis à vis optical Fibre communication?

Pro and Cons.

  • Excellent bandwidth to cost ratio – FSO links are a very cost effective way to provide high bandwidth links over short distances.
  • License free operation – many radio links require licenses.
  • High Bandwidth.
  • Low error rates.
  • Full Duplex communications.
  • Are not effected by interference.
  • Inherently secure.

What is the bandwidth of free space?

Free Space Optics (FSO) is a technology that uses laser beams via a line of sight optical bandwidth connection to transfer data, video or voice communications across areas ranging typically from 100m to a few kilometres at throughput bandwidths up to 1.5Gbps at frequencies above 300GHz of wavelengths, typically, 785 to …

What is free space in electronic communication?

Free-space optical communication (FSO) is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free space to wirelessly transmit data for telecommunications or computer networking. “Free space” means air, outer space, vacuum, or something similar.

How does free space optics work?

Free Space Optics (FSO) transmits invisible, eye-safe light beams from one “telescope” to another using low power infrared lasers in the terahertz spectrum. The beams of light in Free Space Optics (FSO) systems are transmitted by laser light focused on highly sensitive photon detector receivers.

Do satellites use lasers?

The LLCD is NASA’s first attempt at two-way space communication using an optical laser instead of radio waves, and is expected to lead to operational laser systems on NASA satellites in future years. The Laser terminal on Alphasat is called TDP-1 and is still regularly used for tests.

What are the disadvantages of FSO?

4. FSO disadvantages. For terrestrial applications, the principal limiting factors are: Beam dispersion, atmospheric absorption, rain, fog, snow, interference from background light sources (including the sun), shadowing, pointing stability in wind, and pollution.

How does free space optical communication work?

Free Space Optics (FSO) transmits invisible, eye-safe light beams from one “telescope” to another using low power infrared lasers in the terahertz spectrum. As long as there is a clear line of sight between the source and the destination, and enough transmitter power, Free Space Optics (FSO) communication is possible.

How does the free space loss occur in line of sight communication?

In telecommunication, the free-space path loss (FSPL) is the attenuation of radio energy between the feedpoints of two antennas that results from the combination of the receiving antenna’s capture area plus the obstacle-free, line-of-sight path through free space (usually air).

Where is free space optics used?

FSO system can be deployed in lesser time and connection of the new networks and core infrastructure is easily done. It can also be used to complete SONET rings [3]. (g)Backhaul: it can be helpful in carrying the traffic of cellular telephone from antenna towers back to the PSTN with high speed and high data rate.

Can satellites shoot missiles?

Other aspects included satellites in orbit carrying powerful laser weapons, plasma weapons, or particle beams. When a missile launch was detected, the satellite would fire at the missile (or warheads) and destroy it.

Can lasers carry data?

Laser communications will enable 10 to 100 times more data transmitted back to Earth than current radio frequency systems. It would take roughly nine weeks to transmit a complete map of Mars back to Earth with current radio frequency systems. With lasers, it would take about nine days.

What does free space mean in optical communication?

Free-space optical communication ( FSO) is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free space to wirelessly transmit data for telecommunications or computer networking. “Free space” means air, outer space, vacuum, or something similar.

What kind of light is used for free space communication?

Many simple and inexpensive consumer remote controls use low-speed communication using infrared (IR) light. This is known as consumer IR technologies. Free-space point-to-point optical links can be implemented using infrared laser light, although low-data-rate communication over short distances is possible using LEDs.

Are there any laser communication systems in space?

There is no indication this product is currently commercially available. The massive advantages of laser communication in space have multiple space agencies racing to develop a stable space communication platform, with many significant demonstrations and achievements.

How are infrared lasers used in optical communication?

Usage and technologies. Free-space point-to-point optical links can be implemented using infrared laser light, although low-data-rate communication over short distances is possible using LEDs. Infrared Data Association (IrDA) technology is a very simple form of free-space optical communications.