A Review of the Operational Features of FSO Links, the Broadband and Secure Wireless Links of the Future Communications

The usage of light to communicate and convey a message has an effective history of human civilization. Lighthouses, optical Morse and now, the vital optical fiber networks are some of the techniques that humans have used to meet their communication needs. Free Space Optical Communication System, FSO, is an innovative technology that was first introduced to support the demands of space and intra-satellite communications, and today researchers are working to meet the commercial demands of the communication industry by the technology. In this method, the frequencies of the visible and infrared spectra of Electromagnetic waves are used as carriers of the signals and laser beams are transmitted between the transmitter and the receiver in free space. The higher bandwidth and providing greater security and immunity in compare with radio links, besides higher flexibility and lower operating costs compared to fiber-based networks, are some of the main features that this technology offers. In this article, we will review this technology and its benefits, along with the challenges ahead, the applications and the importance of starting research and investigation at this technology as the foundation of future communications. In the end, we introduce the designed and driven the FSO system at University of Zanjan as one of the ongoing activities in this field in the country.