RFFSO vs. Fiber Optic: Key Differences Explained
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This article compares Free Space Optics (FSO) and Fiber Optic communication, highlighting the differences between the two technologies.
What is FSO (Free Space Optics)?
FSO is a wireless technology that transmits data through laser beams. It uses light waves to transmit data between buildings with a clear line of sight (LOS). The primary difference between Optical Fiber Communication (OFC) and FSO is that OFC sends data via light through a “fiber,” while FSO sends data via light through “air.”
How FSO Works (as per the block diagram):
- Information or data traffic is converted into pulses of invisible light representing binary 1s and 0s.
- The transmitter sends these light pulses into the air using an LED or Laser Diode (LD).
- A receiver at the other end collects the light using lenses and/or mirrors. It employs a photo-detector for this purpose.
- The received signal is processed and converted back into the transmitted information.
What is Fiber Optic Communication?
Fiber optic communication systems are widely used for long-distance telephone communication across seas and, increasingly, for transmitting internet data globally.
Unlike FSO, fiber optic communication utilizes optical fiber cables. The system includes a coder, a light source transmitter, the cable itself, a light detector, and a decoder. For very long-distance communication, repeater units are integrated into the chain to prevent complete signal attenuation. The latest advancement is the EDFA (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier), which amplifies the signal directly in optical form without converting it to an electrical signal.
FSO vs. Fiber Optic: A Detailed Comparison
The following table outlines the key differences between FSO and Fiber Optic communication:
| Specifications | FSO | Fiber Optic |
|---|---|---|
| Transmitting Medium | Air | Fiber cable |
| Permit | No permission required for laser beam transmission. | Requires permission for digging to lay fiber optic cables. |
| Installation | Easy and fast | Difficult and time-consuming |
| Maintenance Time | Short | Large |
| Cost | Moderate | High |
| Mobility | Possible, including reconfigurability | Not possible |
| Security | Moderate | High |
| Transmission Speed | Varies depending on usage | 100 Mbps to 100 Gbps |
| Applications | Between buildings, last mile solution (short distance) | Point to Point (long distance) |
| Advantages | Price/Performance | Not susceptible to EMI, difficult to intercept, and more secure. |
| Disadvantages | Can be intercepted, hence less secure. | Difficult to terminate |
