Law situation of license exempt free space optic beams influencing private properties

FSO (Free Space Optic) communication systems offer significant technical and operational advantages such as higher bandwidth, robustness to electromagnetic interference, high degree of spatial confinement and low power consumption. These systems use optical frequencies from 300 GHz to 30 PHz including infrared, visible and ultraviolet bands. In comparison to RF based systems, FSO units can operate license free because of a lack of spectrum regulation above 3 THz. For typical FSO applications, the optical beams are directed over a number of estates. This paper will show the investigation of FSO system related regulatory framework and eye safety issues. The main focus will be on the situation of FSO beams crossing (private) properties with regards to the Austrian law.