An Introduction to Free Space Optics (FSO) Technology
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 1.25Gbps at frequencies above 300GHz of wavelengths, typically, 785 to 1550nm. Using Free Space Optics wireless networks eliminates the need to secure licensing found with RF signal solutions and also the expensive costs of laying fibre optic cable; principally the concept of transferring data via light is the same as with fibre optics just through a different medium.
The basis of Free Space Optics communication is rather straightforward with each unit housing an optical receiver and transmitter, allowing the sending and receiving of data simultaneously, and an optical source with a focusing lens. The unit at one location transmits a beam of focused light carrying the information directly at the unit at the receiving location where the light beam is then transferred to an optical fibre from a high sensitivity receiver.
Free Space Optics solutions offer various advantages of normal RF signal wireless networks such as:
- Free Space Optics does not suffer from radio frequency interference or band over crowdedness.
- License free operation.
- No software needed on client devices.
- Very high security level operation.
- Inside installation is possible and it unaffected by operation through glass.
Typical Free Space Optics Applications
Free Space Optics Wireless Networks can only operate as Point-to-Point links between 2 units, however, when combined with LAN or WLAN networks they can provide very effective solutions to many scenarios such as:
- Provide a bridge between WLAN-to-WLAN connections on campuses at Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet speeds to cater for many subscribers simultaneously
- Provide a bridge between LAN-to-LAN connections in a city between enterprise buildings that need to have reliable, high throughput networks
- Create a wireless link across an area in which you do not have physical access to
- Fast service delivery of high speed access to optical fibre, core networks
- Service Provider backhaul to carry large amounts of data between the client network areas and the core network.
- Converged Voice-Data-Connection
- Temporary WLAN network set up and installation for events such as conferences
- Quickly re-establish high-speed network connections after incidents (i.e. disaster recovery)
- They can be installed as redundancy systems to provide fall back, fail safes for critical operations that require network access
Performance
Free Space Optics provides speeds comparable to those of optical fibre connections with the flexibility and practicality of being part of a wireless network providing bandwidth speeds typically advertised as up to 10Mbps, 100Mbps, 155Mbps and 1.25Gbps, with possible speeds of up to 10Gbps becoming likely in the future with the use of WDM (Wavelength-Division Multiplexing) technology. Currently, the only other wireless technology capable of these kinds of speeds is Millimetre Wave RF Wireless Networking which, in comparison, requires licensing and can affected severely by rain in the 60GHz range. Due to the received beam being transferred onto an optical fibre to connect to the core network, trouble free integration and easy set up make Free Space Optics networking's compatibility with any system very high.
Free Space Optics wireless network ranges are typically found to be between around 100m and 2km but due to the nature of the signal strength being directly affected more by atmospheric conditions over increasing distance, the shorter the range between the two unit locations the higher the performance and availability of the connection will be.
Free Space Optics can be equipped with various technologies to improve performance such as:
- Active Tracking, a pointing stabilisation technique, is where the actual units will automatically swivel upon their centre of axis under movement (i.e. building sway in high wind) to maintain the alignment with the other unit's location.
- Multiple Beam Technology helps increase the beam intensity as they converge downstream by transmitting more than one light beam towards the receiver whilst also raising divergence slightly allowing more tolerance for misalignment issues.
Security
Free Space Optics is a very secure method of wireless communications when compared to RF Signal Networks because the light beams cannot be detected by spectrum analysers, data transmissions can be encrypted, the laser beams are very narrow and invisible making them hard to find or detect and to receive the signal, another matching receiver would have to be aligned within the light path which is quite unlikely to happen.
| Technology |
Maximum Data Rates |
Typical Ranges |
Security |
Cost |
| Telco |
Multiple Gbps |
- |
High |
££££££ |
| Free Space Optics |
1.25Gbps |
Up to 2km |
High |
££££ |
| 70-80GHz RF Signal |
1.25Gbps |
Up to 10km |
Very High |
£££££ |
| 5.8GHz RF Signal |
600Mbps |
Up to 250m |
Low |
££ |
| 2.4GHz RF Signal |
600Mbps |
Up to 250m |
Low |
£ |
| 3G Mobile |
28Mbps |
Many km |
Low |
££ |
Technical Discussion & Difficulties
Due to being located above ground unlike, for the most part, laid fibre optic cable, different challenges are presented when considering Free Space Optics performance with the biggest being atmospheric conditions. However, most drawbacks and shortcomings can be resolved through the inclusion of redundancy systems and correct wireless network planning.
Humidity, Water Vapour & Fog
Unlike rain and snow, that on the whole has little effect on Free Space Optics communication, fog and water vapour droplets are a real hindrance to the operating performance. The small water droplets can at points completely stop the light beams from being received due to light absorption, refraction scattering or even complete reflection which can significantly lower data rates. Therefore in foggy areas, Free Space Optics may not be the best solution, however applications have been successfully carried out that have provided acceptable reliability with redundancy systems in place. The following five points listed all refer to the signal attenuation caused by atmospheric conditions.
Signal Absorption
Water vapour molecules in the air absorb the energy from photons (light particles) within the light beam which causes an overall loss in power density. The use of spatial diversity and correct system power helps combat this effect as absorption is more common at certain wavelength ranges of light.
Signal Scintillation
Fluctuations in signal strength can be caused by variations in temperature of air pockets between the transmitter and receiver due to natural differences or objects such as buildings etc. This effect, know as refractive turbulence, causes image dancing or blurring of the signal at the receiver end which results in amplitude loss.
Beam Wander
Beam wander or jitter is the amount that the centroid or peak value of the beam strength profile moves with time and can be caused by turbulence resulting in the beam becoming unfocused.
Signal Scattering
Scattering occurs when certain wavelengths experience collisions with objects and are redistributed in varying directions without energy loss (unlike absorption). Scattering is more likely to have a more frequent and larger effect over long distances where it can have a significant effect on beam strength.
Beam Spread
Beam spread, or more technically called beam divergence, is measurable angular effect of the beam's dissipation at a constant rate as it travels further through the atmosphere.
Line-of-Sight Obstructions
Due to light not be able to travel through opaque mediums, objects such as birds, planes and people can momentarily cause interruptions to the service by blocking the Free Space Optics' light beam, with service resuming instantly when the light path is cleared. Multi-beam technology can be used with compatible systems to try and counter this problem.
Unit Location Movement
Building sway due to wind can be a problem as it disrupts the alignment between the two transceiver units causing loss of signal. Divergent beam technology can be used to allow the units to communicate in these situations but performance is still slightly affected.
Safety
All Free Space Optics technology is strictly controlled to make sure that standards are followed to limit any dangers. On the whole, Free Space Optics units are of low enough power not to cause long term harm when the laser is exposed to a person's eye, however precautions should be taken so that this never occurs if possible.
