Free Space Optics Technology FAQ

Here are some FAQ's that I thought would help to answer most questions anyone has. This is slightly more technical than my intro discussion.

Technology FAQ

Q: What is free-space optics (FSO) technology?

A: FSO is a line-of-sight optical technology in which voice, video, and data are sent through the air on beams of light at speeds up to 1.25 Gbps, more than 500 times the capacity of an E1/T1 fixed line.

Q: Is FSO a new technology?

A: FSO systems were first developed during the 1960s both domestically and internationally for secure communications by military. Recent advancements in the technology — and the skyrocketing demand for bandwidth where fiber-optic cable is unavailable — have created a need for FSO-based products (such as LightPointe's optical wireless family) in commercial communications networks. FSO systems have been deployed for several years commercially in enterprise networks where a single end-user has a local area network linking two or more buildings. FSO-based products have been deployed worldwide. (In fact, LightPointe has its optical wireless products at work in more than 60 countries, and thousands of customer sites.

Q: What's optical wireless?

A: Optical wireless, based on the latest in FSO technology, is a new category of products that LightPointe has created to solve the need for high-speed, last mile connectivity across corporate campuses and between Mobile Carrier network towers.

Q: How does free-space optics technology work?

A: LightPointe's FSO-based optical wireless systems act the same as a piece of fiber-optic cable. The systems take information data streams from fiber-optic cable, transport it on invisible beams of light between locations, where it once again connects to fiber and to end-users through an add/drop multiplexer.

Q: How are FSO-based systems deployed?

A: LightPointe's optical wireless systems can be installed outdoors or indoors on building rooftops, exterior walls, towers, behind windows or any combination. If there is a line-of-sight and appropriate distance, an optical wireless connection can be made between two points.

Q: How far can an FSO-based optical wireless link go?

A: While many FSO technology providers quote maximum range figures, based on ideal conditions, LightPointe prefers to cite optimum distances and urges you to use these as points of reference.

Q: What speeds (bandwidths) are available with optical wireless products?

A: LightPointe's current Flight Optical Wireless family provides bandwidth of 100 Mbps, 155 Mbps and 1.25 Gbps.

Q: Is free-space optics technology safe?

A: Yes, our products are eye safe and environmentally safe. They meet or exceed standards set by U.S. and international regulatory bodies.

Q: What protocols do FSO technology use?

A: LightPointe's FSO-based products are agile enough to integrate within any service provider network. LightPointe manufactures products that work with Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, SONET/SDS, ATM and FDDI.

Q: Does weather affect FSO-based optical wireless products?

A: LightPointe's FSO-based products can provide 99.9% availability. This availability is achieved through our multi-beam system — the only one of its kind in the industry — which links distances, weather data and network management tools. In addition, we can combine FSO and license-free RF technology to provide an extra layer of redundancy. LightPointe's products have been proven through both deployment and successful field trials with carriers. They operate in a variety of weather conditions, from -13°F to 122°F (-25°C to 50°C).

Q: Why wasn't FSO technology been deployed on a much larger scale sooner?

A: The broader market for FSO-based technology did not emerge until late 2000 when it became clear that fiber-optic cable would not reach into every building in the near future. Bandwidth demands continue to grow while budgets do not keep pace and the challenges of deploying fiber-optic cable only become more complex.