Reliability of FSO links in next generation optical networks

Free space optical (FSO) links can be used to setup FSO communication networks or to supplement radio and optical fibre networks. Hence, it is the broadband wireless solution for closing the "last mile" connectivity gap throughout metropolitan networks. This paper gives an overview of free-space laser communications in principles and applications. Investigations in cooperation with COST 270 and SatNEx and improvements for the future systems will form the core of the publication.