Free Space Optical Link Performance Simulation under Different Atmospheric Conditions and Diversity

High speed and tap proof communication systems is the growing need for FSO (Free Space Optical) systems. FSO is a communication process that uses light carrying information to travel in free space to exchange data between two or more points. High security, quicker establishment, permit free ranges are its principle favorable circumstances. FSO technology is useful in cases where fiber optic cables are difficult due to high costs. Use of multiple Tx/Rx in the Free Space Optics System (1x1, 2x2, 4x4, 8x8) increases the performance under different atmospheric disturbances. The performance of single to multiple Tx/Rx FSO system under three different conditions like clear, haze and fog conditions has been analyzed in this paper using eye diagrams. In this analysis the 8x8 FSO channel shows good results in comparison to other systems. Commercial available software OptiSystem from Optiwave Inc. has been used for Free Space Optical link modeling and simulation in this paper.