Free Space Optical Networks for Ultra-Broad Band Services

“The book covers an important area of free space optical networking. Although this type of communications has its roots in ancient times and its modern form was originally conceived for the inter-satellite applications, its applicability extends now to terrestrial access networks, LAN to LAN inter-connectivity, emergency communications network deployment, and others. Free Space Optical Networks for Ultra-Broad Band Services was written by Stamatios V. Kartalopoulos, a renowned expert in optical communications, in a reader-friendly manner. The book covers a wide range of topics, ranging from free the physical layer, through networking issues, to security and applications. It can be a valuable source of information for graduate students as well as practicing engineers.”
―Andrzej Jajszczyk, AGH University of Science and Technology

“This book is an introduction to the technical aspects and design issues of free-space optical (FSO) networks. The effects of atmospheric phenomena on laser beam propagation are presented. Optical devices used in FSO systems are overviewed. The design of FSO systems with point-to-point, ring and mesh topology is explained emphasizing practical aspects. Advantages and drawbacks of FSO networks are examined. Throughout the book, all topics are presented using a clear, albeit appropriate, language. Most difficult technical details are omitted, thus allowing readers with a general background to understand the essential concepts and principles. The tutorial approach of S. Kartalopoulos, already familiar to the readers of his previous works, makes also this book a pleasant reading to all those wishing a general introduction to FSO networks.”
―Stefano Bregni, Politecnico di Milano

This book provides a comprehensive description of an optical communications technology known as free space optical—a next-generation communications network that uses optical signals through the atmosphere instead of fiber, RF, or microwaves. This technology potentially offers more complex ultrabandwidth communication services simultaneously to multiple users and in a very short time, compared to fiber optic technology. This text presents established and new advancements drawn from the latest research and development in components, networking, operation, and practices.

This book describes the FSO network concepts in simple language. It provides comprehensive coverage in an easy-to-understand, progressive style that starts from the physics of the atmosphere and how it affects optical communications; continues with the design of a network node; and concludes with fiberless network applications from point-to-point to mesh topology. Important areas discussed include:

• Propagation of light in the atmosphere and phenomena that affect light propagation
• FSO transceiver design
• Point-to-point FSO systems
• Ring FSO systems
• Mesh-FSO systems and integrating the Mesh-FSO with the public network
• WDM Mesh-FSO
• FSO network security
• FSO-specific applications

To meet the needs of both academia and industry, key mathematical formulas are presented along with descriptions, while extensive mathematical analyses are minimized or avoided. Free Space Optical Networks for Ultra-Broad Band Services serves as an ideal text for network communication professionals who enter the free space optical communication field, graduate students majoring in optical communications, optical communication engineers, researchers, managers, and consultants.