1.

INTRODUCTION

When we talk about optical communication, most people think about optical-
fiber. But optical communication is also possible without optical-fiber. We know
that light travels through air for a lot less money. This makes possible the optical
communication without optical-fiber. Optical communication without fiber is
known as Free Space Optics. It is used due to economic advantages. Since the
introduction of internet the backbone traffic is increasing at the rate greater than
100%, hence the owner of the backbone infrastructure (which is entirely based on
fiber optics) are eagerly embracing technologies that add of the capacity of the
fiber optics without adding mountains of optical cables.

FSO is not a new idea. 30-years back optical-fiber cables are used for high-
speed communication.

1
 In those days FSO are used for high-speed connectivity over short distances.
Today’s FSO can carry full-duplex data at gigabit-per-second rates over
metropolitan distances.

1.1 Optical Fibre communication

Fiber-optic communication is a method of transmitting information from one

place to another by sending pulses of light through an optical fiber.

The light forms an electromagnetic carrier wave that is modulated to carry

information. First developed in the 1970s, fiber-optic communication systems
have revolutionized the telecommunications industry and have played a major
role in the advent of the Information Age. Because of its advantages over
electrical transmission, optical fibers have largely replaced copper wire
communications in core networks in the developed world.

2
 The process of communicating using fiber-optics involves the following basic
steps: Creating the optical signal involving the use of a transmitter, relaying the
signal along the fiber, ensuring that the signal does not become too distorted or
weak, receiving the optical signal, and converting it into an electrical signal.

3
1.2 Free Space Optics

Free Space Optics (FSO) is a line-of-sight technology that uses lasers to

provide optical bandwidth connections. Currently, Free Space Optics are capable
of up to 2.5 Gbps of data, voice and video communications through the air,
allowing optical connectivity without requiring fiber-optic cable or securing
spectrum licenses.

Free Space Optics require light, which can be focused by using either light
emitting diodes (LEDs) or lasers (light amplification by stimulated emission of
radiation). The use of lasers is a simple concept similar to optical transmissions
using fiber-optic cables; the only difference is the medium. Light travels through
air faster than it does through glass, so it is fair to classify Free Space Optics as
optical communications at the speed of light.

4
 Free Space Optics (FSO) technology is relatively simple. It's based on
connectivity between FSO units, each consisting of an optical transceiver with a
laser transmitter and a receiver to provide full duplex (bi-directional) capability.
Each FSO unit uses a high-power optical source (i.e. laser), plus a lens that
transmits light through the atmosphere to another lens receiving the
information. The receiving lens connects to a high-sensitivity receiver via
optical fiber. FSO technology requires no spectrum licensing.

FSO is easily upgradeable, and its open interfaces support equipment from a
variety of vendors, which helps service providers protect their investment in
embedded telecommunications infrastructures.

2. FREE SPACE OPTICS (FSO) WORKS

2.1Working
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. These receivers are telescopic lenses able to collect the photon
stream and transmit digital data containing a mix of Internet messages, video
images, radio signals or computer files. Commercially available systems

5
offer capacities in the range of 100 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps, and demonstration
systems report data rates as high as 160 Gbps.

Free Space Optics (FSO) systems can function over distances of several
kilometers. 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

2.2 FSO: WIRELESS, AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT

6
 Unlike radio and microwave systems, Free Space Optics (FSO) is
an optical technology and no spectrum licensing or frequency coordination
with other users is required, interference from or to other systems or
equipment is not a concern, and the point-to-point laser signal is extremely
difficult to intercept, and therefore secure. Data rates comparable to optical
fiber transmission can be carried by Free Space Optics (FSO) systems with
very low error rates, while the extremely narrow laser beam widths ensure
that there is almost no practical limit to the number of separate Free Space
Optics (FSO) links that can be installed in a given location.

7
2.3 Light Beam Used for FSO System

Generally equipment works at one of the two wavelengths: 850 nm or 1550

nm. Laser for 850 nm are much less expensive (around $30 versus more than
$1000) and are favored for applications over moderate distances. One question
arises that why we use 1550 nm wavelength. The main reason revolves around
power, distance, and eye safety. Infrared radiation at 1550 nm tends not to reach
the retina of the eye, being mostly absorbed by the cornea. 1550 nm beams
operate at higher power than 850 nm, by about two orders of magnitude. That
power can boost link lengths by a factor of at least five while maintaining
adequate strength for proper link operation. So for high data rates, long distances,
poor propagation conditions (like fog), or combinations of those conditions, 1550
nm can become quite attractive.

8
 Why FSO Now?

Substantial investments by carriers to augment the capacity of their core fiber

backbones have facilitated dramatic improvements in both price and
performance, and they have also increased the capacity of these large backbone
networks. However, to generate the communications traffic and revenue needed
to fully utilize and pay for these backbone upgrades, higher bandwidth
connections must reach the end customers.

This requires substantial bandwidth upgrades at the network edge. Essentially,

to fully leverage their backbone investments, service providers will also need to
expand and extend the reach of their metropolitan optical network to the edge.
FSO presents an opportunity that allows carriers to achieve that goal for one-fifth
the cost when compared to fiber (if even available) and at a fraction of the time.

 Increased competition: Regulation changes and significant investments

by various funds have increased the competitive climate in these metro networks. Each of
the existing or new entrants is racing to gain an advantage over their competition. FSO is
one of the evolutionary technologies that allows a carrier to acquire and retain new
customers quickly and cost-effectively, thereby gaining an entry point over competition.
Metro optical networks are expected to see $57.3 billion invested by 2005

 International growth: Due to the growing number of Internet-based

applications, most countries are experiencing tremendous growth in bandwidth needs. In
growing economies like Latin America and China—where the ability to have high-
bandwidth connectivity

9
 outweighs standards for reliability—the lack of infrastructure and rising
bandwidth demands offers a unique opportunity for FSO.

 Changing traffic patterns and protocol standards: Multiple traffic types

characterize metro networks. Where voice was once the dominant traffic type, data has
emerged as the winner. Moreover, these networks are also a mixture of multiple protocols
ranging from Ethernet, SONET, IP, ESCON, FICON, etc. As a Layer One technology,
FSO is protocol agnostic.

 Wireless world: With the rapid adoption and slow deployment of

wireless technologies such as LMDS and MMDS in response to high bandwidth
communication needs in the metro area, many service providers still find themselves short
of bandwidth to satisfy their needs. To better understand this growing need for FSO, it is
important to understand the key drivers for FSO.

3. Applications of FSO

The applications of free-space-optics are many. Some of them are as follows –

3.1 Metro Network Extensions

Carriers can deploy FSO to extend existing metropolitan-area fiber rings,
to connect new networks, and, in their core infrastructure, to complete
Sonet rings.

10
3.2 Last-Mile Access
FSO can be used in high-speed links that connect end-users with internet
service providers or other networks. It can also be used to bypass local-
loop systems to provide business with high-speed connections.

3.3 Enterprise Connectivity

the ease with which FSO links can be installed makes them a natural for
interconnecting local-area network segments that are housed in buildings
separated by public streets or other right-of-way property.

3.4 Fiber Backup

FSO may also be deployed in redundant links to backup fiber in place of a
second fiber link.

3.5 Backhaul
FSO can be used to carry cellular telephone traffic from antenna towers
back to facilities wired into the public switched telephone network.
11
 3.6 Service Acceleration
FSO can be also used to provide instant service to fiber-optic customers
while their fiber infrastructure is being laid.

3.7 LAN-to-LAN connections on campuses at Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet

speeds.

3.8 LAN-to-LAN connections in a city. Example, Metropolitan area network.

3.9 To cross a public road or other barriers which the sender and receiver do not

own.

3.10 Speedy service delivery of high-bandwidth access to optical fiber networks.

3. 11 Converged Voice-Data-Connection.

3.12 Temporary network installation (for events or other purposes).

3.13 Reestablish high-speed connection quickly (disaster recovery).

3.14 As an alternative or upgrade add-on to existing wireless technologies.

3.15 As a safety add-on for important fiber connections (redundancy).

3.16 For inter- and intra-chip communication.

4. FSO: Optical or Wireless?

FSO is clearly an optical technology and not a wireless technology for two
primary reasons. One, FSO enables optical transmission at speeds of up to 2.5
Gbps and in the future 10 Gbps using WDM. This is not possible using any fixed
wireless/RF technology existing today. Two, FSO obviates the need to buy
expensive spectrum (it requires no FCC or municipal license approvals), which
12
 distinguishes it clearly from fixed wireless technologies. Thus, FSO should not
be classified as a wireless technology. Its similarity to conventional optical
solutions will enable a seamless integration of access networks with optical core
networks and help to realize the vision of an all-optical network.

5. Free-Space Optics (FSO) Security

The common perception of wireless is that it offers less security than

wireline connections. In fact, Free Space Optics (FSO) is far more secure
than RF or other wireless-based transmission technologies for several
reasons:

 Free Space Optics (FSO) laser beams cannot be detected with spectrum
analyzers or RF meters
 Free Space Optics (FSO) laser transmissions are optical and travel
along a line of sight path that cannot be intercepted easily. It requires a matching Free
Space Optics (FSO) transceiver carefully aligned to complete the transmission.
Interception is very difficult and extremely unlikely.

 The laser beams generated by Free Space Optics (FSO) systems are
narrow and invisible, making them harder to find and even harder to intercept and
crack

 Data can be transmitted over an encrypted connection adding to the

degree of security available in Free Space Optics (FSO) network transmissions

13
 6. Free Space Optics System Design Issues

6.1 Subsystems
Discussions of the various major subsystems that constitute a free-
space optical system. Each of the subsystems is discussed in terms of example
point designs in the marketplace.

14
6.2 Comparison Link Budgets

Link budgets for point designs that are offered in the marketplace.
Most of the data for these designs is available via the vendor's data sheets or from
the world wide web. If an assumption is made about a component, that fact is
noted

6.3 Link Equations

High-level discussion of the main factors in the system link equation.
Additionally, the relative importance of each of these factors is compared in
realistic weather conditions

6.4 Availability
Actual weather statistics from nephelometers and AirFiber free-
space optical communications systems are used to compute link range as a
function of availability for carrier-class numbers (99.9% or better).

15
6.5 Theoretical Maximum Range
A straw-man design is used to compute the maximum range in 200
dB/km attenuation conditions. Since this is not obtainable, it sets an upper limit
on range for free-space systems. The maximum range as a function of availability
is also presented for several cities.

16
6.6 Bit Error Rate, Data Rate, and Range

Theoretical curves of BER and data rate show that reducing data rate or
relaxing BER constraints does not significantly increase the maximum range in
realistic weather scenarios.

Fiber-optic cable and FSO share many similarities. However, there is a

difference in how each technology transmits information. While fiber uses a
relatively predictable medium that is subject to outside disturbances from
wayward construction backhoes, gnawing rodents and even sharks when
deployed under sea, FSO uses an open medium (the atmosphere) that is subject to
its own potential outside disturbances.

Networks with FSO must be designed to counter the atmosphere, which can
affect an FSO system's capacity. FSO is also a line-of-sight technology and

17
interconnecting points must be free from physical obstruction and able to "see"
each other.

6.7 Scintillation

Scintillation is best defined as the temporal and spatial variations in light

intensity caused by atmospheric turbulence. Such turbulence is caused by
wind and temperature gradients that create pockets of air with rapidly varying
densities and therefore fast changing indices of optical refraction.
These air pockets act like prisms and lenses with time varying properties.
Their action is readily observed in the twinkling of stars in the night sky and
the shimmering of horizon on a hot day.
FSO communications systems deal with scintillation by sending the same
information from several separate laser transmitters. These are mounted in the
same housing, or link head, separated from one another by distances of about
200 mm. it is unlikely that in traveling to the receiver , all the parallel beams
will encounter the same pocket of turbulence since the scintillation pockets
are usually quite small.
Most probably, at least one of the beams will arrive at the target node with
adequate strength to be properly received. This approach is called Spatial
Diversity.

18
 6.8 Mie-scattering
It is the scattering of beam due to fog. It is largely a matter of boosting the
transmitted power. Spatial diversity also helps to deal with scattering. In areas
with frequent heavy fogs, it is often necessary to choose 1550-nm lasers
because of the higher power permitted at that wavelength. Also, there seems
to be some evidence that mie-scattering is slightly lower at 1550-nm than at
850-nm. But some studies shows that scattering is independent of the
wavelength under heavy fog conditions. Other atmospheric disturbances, like
snow and especially rain, are less of a problem for free-space optics than fog.

6.9 Swaying Buildings

One of the more common difficulties that arises when deploying free-space
optics links on tall buildings or towers is sway due to wind or seismic
activities. Both storms and earthquakes can cause buildings to move enough to
affect beam aiming.

The problem of swaying buildings can be dealt with in two ways.

6.9.1 Beam Divergence

With beam divergence, the transmitted beam is purposely allowed to

diverge, or spread, so that by the time it arrives at the receiving link head,
it forms a fairly large optical cone. Depending on product design, the

19
 typical free-space optics light beam subtends an angle of 3-6 milliradians
(10-20 minutes of arc) and will have a diameter of 3-6 meters after
traveling 1 kilometer. If the receiver is initially positioned at the center of
the beam, divergence alone can deal with many perturbations.

6.9.2 Active Tracking

This method is used when the link heads are mounted on the top of
extremely tall buildings or towers.
Active tracking is based on movable mirrors that control the direction in
which the beams are launched.

A feedback mechanism continuously adjust the mirrors so that the beams

stay on target. It is more sophisticated and costly than beam divergence
method.

20
 6.10 Physical Obstructions

Flying birds can temporarily block a single beam, but this tends to cause
only short interruptions, and transmissions are easily and automatically
resumed. LightPointe uses multi-beam systems (spatial diversity) to address
this issue, as well as other atmospheric conditions, to provide for greater
availability.

6.11 Safety

To those unfamiliar with FSO, safety is often a concern because the

technology uses lasers for transmission. This concern, however, is based on
perception more than reality. The proper use and safety of lasers have been
discussed since FSO devices first appeared in laboratories more than two
decades ago.

The two major concerns involve human exposure to laser beams (which
present much more danger to the eyes than any other part of the human body)
and high voltages within the laser systems and their power supplies.
Standards have been set for laser safety and performance and FSO systems
comply with these standards

21
 7. Advantages Of Free-Space Optics

The FSO system requires less than one fifth of the capital outlay of
comparable ground-based fiber-optic technologies. Optical-fibers are too costly.
Connecting the buildings with optical-fiber cost US $100000 - $200000/km in
metropolitan areas, 85 percent of the total figure tied to trenching and installation. To
install fiber you have to dig the road.

7.1 It is flexible, offers freedom, and is fast (speeds from 20 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps and
beyond)

22
7.2 Demand for bandwidth is increasing and has been increasing exponentially for the
past few years. Service providers have been struggling to keep up with such demand.
Service providers must extend the reach of metro optical networks, and FSO offers service
providers the opportunity to accomplish this objective.

7.3 The primary advantages of FSO are high throughput, solid security, and low cost.

7.4 Ease of deployment

7.5 License-free long-range operation (in contrast with radio communication)

7.6 High bit rate.

7.7 Low bit error rates

7.8 Immunity to electromagnetic interference

7.9 Full duplex operation

7.10 Very secure due to the high directionality and narrowness of the beam(s)

7.11 No Fresnel zone necessary

23
 8.Disadvantages of Free Space Optics

For terrestrial applications, the principal limiting factors are:

8.1 Beam dispersion

8.2 Atmospheric absorption
8.3 Rain
8.4 Fog (10..~100 dB/km attenuation)
8.5 Snow
8.6 Scintillation
8.7 Background
8.8 Shadowing
8.9 Pointing stability in wind
8.10 Pollution / smog
8.11 If the sun goes exactly behind the transmitter, it can swamp the signal.

24
These factors cause an attenuated receiver signal and lead to higher bit error ratio
(BER). To overcome these issues, vendors found some solutions, like multi-beam
or multi-path architectures, which use more than one sender and more than one
receiver. Some state-of-the-art devices also have larger fade margin (extra power,
reserved for rain, smog, fog). To keep an eye-safe environment, good FSO
systems have a limited laser power density and support laser classes 1 or 1M.
Atmospheric and fog attenuation, which are exponential in nature, limit practical
range of FSO devices to several kilometres.

25
 9. Conclusion

The entire face of the Free-Space Optics community is about to change

radically as driven by the need for high-speed local loop connectivity and the
costs and difficulties of deploying fibers. FSO can be the ultimate solution for
high-speed access. Instead of hybrid fiber-coax system, hybrid fiber-laser system
may turn out to be the best way to deliver the high capacity last-mile access. FSO
provide higher security, and throughput. FSO is capable to fulfill the increasing
demand of bandwidth.

26
 10.References

1. http://www.freespaceoptics.org/freespaceoptics/default.cfm
2. http://www.freespaceoptic.com/WhitePapers/Physics%20of%20Free-space%20Optics.pdf
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiber-optic_communication
4. http://www.esa.int/esaTE/SEMN6HQJNVE_index_0.html
5. http://silicium.dk/pdf/speciale.pdf Optical Communications in Deep Space, University of
Copenhagen
6. F. J. Duarte, Secure interferometric communications in free space, Opt. Commun. 205, 313-319
(2002).
7. Tanaka, Y.; Haruyama, S.; Nakagawa, M.; , "Wireless optical transmissions with white colored
LED for wireless home links," Personal, Indoor and Mobile Radio Communications, 2000.
PIMRC 2000. The 11th IEEE International Symposium on , vol.2, no., pp.1325-1329 vol.2, 2000
8. Grubor, J.; Randel, S.; Langer, K.-D.; Walewski, J.W.; , "Broadband Information Broadcasting
Using LED-Based Interior Lighting," Lightwave Technology, Journal of , vol.26, no.24, pp.3883-
3892, Dec.15, 2008
9. http://www.siemens.com/innovation/en/news_events/ct_pressreleases/e_research_news/2010/e_22
_resnews_1002_1.htm
10. Lee, I.E.; Sim, M.L.; Kung, F.W.L.; , "Performance enhancement of outdoor visible-light
communication system using selective combining receiver," Optoelectronics, IET , vol.3, no.1,
pp.30-39, February 2009
11. http://www.cs.utah.edu/cmpmsi/papers09/paper1.pdf CMP-MSI: 3rd Workshop on Chip
Multiprocessor Memory Systems and Interconnects held in conjunction with the 36th
International Symposium on Computer Architecture, June 2009.

27