Performance analysis of a hybrid optical amplifier based 480-Gbps DWDM-FSO system under the effect of different atmospheric conditions

Abstract

Abstract Free space optical (FSO) systems offer a desirable and affordable way of providing communication services in remote locations. They provide secure transmission without the requirement for licensing and with lower implementation costs. However, due to the impact of atmospheric turbulences on the effectiveness of FSO systems, their implementation faces significant challenges. Dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) has shown promise in addressing the growing bandwidth needs in optical networks. This paper introduces a hybrid optical amplifier based system, combining DWDM and FSO technology. The proposed DWDM-FSO system operates at a rate of 480 Gbps and consists of 12 channels, each capable of transmitting data at 40 Gbps. The system’s performance is evaluated and compared by determining the Q-factor and bit error rate (BER) for both the cases when hybrid amplifier is employed and with no hybrid amplifier within the C-band, specifically focusing on wavelengths around 1550 nm. Moreover, the length of the FSO link is increased to assess the corresponding Q-factor and BER. Resultantly, the maximum distance for the FSO link is determined, ensuring that it remains within acceptable Q-factor and BER thresholds. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the FSO system is also evaluated and compared under different atmospheric conditions, considering both scenarios: when employing a hybrid amplifier and when not utilizing one.