Integration of Optical and Free Space Optics Network Architecture for High-Speed Communication in Adverse Weather using suitable Optical Bands

Abstract

Free Space Optics (FSO) is a highly viable solution for high-speed wireless communication and is widely preferred over radio frequency communication systems because of its faster data transmission, no regulatory requirements and highly secure long-range operations. However, the capacity and availability of FSO optical bands are a significant concern in varying atmospheric conditions. Our objective is to enhance network flexibility and expand wireless network coverage in adverse weather conditions by combining optical and FSO links using optical bands C, S, and O. The study analyzed the performance of a hybrid 4 channels FSO-WDM system with a 100GHz or 0.8 nm channel spacing under different conditions, including adverse weather and varying data rates. An attenuation of 0.25 dB/km was fixed, and the system's performance was analyzed up to 3 km. The results showed that as the data rate increased, the system's performance declined, and the O band was the best performer up to 25 Gbit/s. BER values were analyzed at different weather conditions using the Kim model, and the O band consistently outperformed the S and C bands. Eye diagrams were used to evaluate the signal quality, and the O band was shown to perform better than the other two bands, even in adverse weather conditions. Overall, the study suggests that FSO is a viable solution for high-speed wireless communication, particularly when using the O band.