From Mirrors to Free-Space Optical Communication—Historical Aspects in Data Transmission

Magdalena Garlinska, Agnieszka Pregowska, Karol Masztalerz and Magdalena Osial
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Magdalena Garlinska: National Center for Research and Development, 00 695 Warsaw, Poland
Agnieszka Pregowska: Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02 106 Warsaw, Poland
Karol Masztalerz: Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Manchester, Manchester M15 6BH, UK
Magdalena Osial: Faculty of Chemistry, University of Warsaw, 02 093 Warsaw, Poland

Future Internet, 2020, vol. 12, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: Fast communication is of high importance. Recently, increased data demand and crowded radio frequency spectrum have become crucial issues. Free-Space Optical Communication (FSOC) has diametrically changed the way people exchange information. As an alternative to wire communication systems, it allows efficient voice, video, and data transmission using a medium like air. Due to its large bandwidth, FSOC can be used in various applications and has therefore become an important part of our everyday life. The main advantages of FSOC are a high speed, cost savings, compact structures, low power, energy efficiency, a maximal transfer capacity, and applicability. The rapid development of the high-speed connection technology allows one to reduce the repair downtime and gives the ability to quickly establish a backup network in an emergency. Unfortunately, FSOC is susceptible to disruption due to atmospheric conditions or direct sunlight. Here, we briefly discuss Free-Space Optical Communication from mirrors and optical telegraphs to modern wireless systems and outline the future development directions of optical communication.

Keywords: Free-Space Optical communication; telecommunications; wireless communication; data transfer history; communication networks (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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