Availability of Free-space Optical Links in Germany: Estimations and Consequences

In this contribution, we estimate the availabilities, data rates and link distances achievable by FSO systems specifically under the climatic conditions in Germany. To this end, we consider physical, technological and communication-theoretic aspects. Furthermore, we make use of freely accessible meteorological databases maintained by the German Meteorological Service (DWD) and the American NOAA to derive fog visibility and precipitation rate statistics for several locations in Germany. In the first instance, we find that availability is primarily limited by fog, as is the consensus in the FSO research community. Considering techniques currently being researched, we derive consequences for the design of FSO systems.