Performance Evaluation of a 320 Gbps SDM/WDM-FSO Optical System in Varying Weather Conditions

Free Space Optical (FSO) technologies ensure high-speed optical transmission and offer cost-effectiveness and enhanced security compared to traditional optical communication systems. The primary limitation of this method is its visibility during severe weather conditions when the broadcast signal is significantly weakened. Rain and fog hinder data transmission. The FSO link system should ideally have a low bit error rate and a high received signal strength. However, in reality, these specifications are only sometimes met. This article examines two FSO systems, namely the Wavelength-Division-Multiplexing (WDM)-FSO link and the Space-Division-Multiplexing (SDM)/WDM-FSO link, using the OptiSystem software. The simulation results are analyzed based on two performance parameters: Bit Error Rate (BER) equal to or less than 1e-9 and Q-factor around 6.