Broadband local service offerings using free-space optical links: a network business perspective

David M. Britz; J. P. Dodley; D. J. Barnickel

doi:10.1117/12.417515

6 February 2001 Broadband local service offerings using free-space optical links: a network business perspective

David M. Britz, J. P. Dodley, D. J. Barnickel

Proceedings Volume 4214, Optical Wireless Communications III; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417515
Event: Information Technologies 2000, 2000, Boston, MA, United States

Abstract

12 This paper describes a promising optical wireless broadband technology that will provide low cost broadband services to the local access `last mile' market. This paper examines the application, advantages and limitations of utilizing Free Space Optical Communications (FSOC) systems for broadband access markets. The service markets that would fully utilize FSOC technologies include metropolitan areas, BLECs (multi- tenant dwellings/business apartments), campuses, industrial parks and `pole-to-hole' neighborhood deployments. This paper will identify weather dependent link availability as being the primary consideration in defining and selecting suitable locations for FSOC-based systems. Link availability in turn determines link range, type of service, and the need for transmission diversity. This paper will describe the implications of telecom `five nines' last-mile access availability and its effect on the transparent integration of FSOC technologies into the existing fiber optic networks. This paper will also describe propagation losses and link budget requirements for broadband FSOC-based local service. During adverse weather conditions, stand-alone, FSOC-based optical wireless links typically offer path lengths of less than 200 meters while still meeting the `five nines' availability criteria. This paper will also consider `availability limited' services. These services may prove to be attractive to customers who are willing to accept broadband service on an `as available basis'. The use of availability-enhancing transmission diversity and the use of intelligent `roof-top' routing and optical wireless cross connects between buildings will also be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

David M. Britz, J. P. Dodley, and D. J. Barnickel "Broadband local service offerings using free-space optical links: a network business perspective", Proc. SPIE 4214, Optical Wireless Communications III, (6 February 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.417515

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