自由空间光通信(FSO)是光通信与无线通信的结合,它以激光为载波、大气为传输介质实现大容量信息(10M～2.5G)的传递,也称无线光网(WON)系统或光无线系统.FSO兼有光通信高速传输和无线通信的优点,无须申请频率许可证,不受电磁干扰,也省却了挖沟的麻烦.作为一项视距技术,FSO技术将在城域和接入网种占有重要的地位.本文给出了FSO系统的原理、应用、优缺点的介绍以及市场前景的分析.

Free Space Optics (FSO), also called Wireless Optical Network (WON) or Optical Wireless, refers to the transmission of modulated laser beams through the atmosphere to obtain broadband communications. They work only under clear line-of-sight conditions between each unit, but they eliminate the need for securing right of ways, buried cable installations and no government licensing is necessary. Free space optical communications systems can be quickly deployed since they are small and do not need any radio interference studies. Additionally, no spectrum fees have to be paid. It is an interesting technique to be applied in MAN and access network. This report gives an overview about the principle of operation, applications and their advantages and disadvantages also as well as a brief analysis about its market.