Free space optical communication over the Ghanaian Turbulent Atmospheric Channel
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Date
2014-09-04
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Abstract
Free Space Optical (FSO) communication is the transmission of optical signals through the
atmosphere. This technology promises high wireless data rates, highly secured transmission,
license-free operation and immunity to electromagnetic interference. However, turbulent
atmospheric conditions have impacts on its performance and therefore hampered its wide spread
deployment. In this thesis, we investigate the feasibility of FSO in Ghana. Atmospheric
attenuation is estimated based on the atmospheric visibility data. Our results show atmospheric
specific attenuation as high as 128.2dB/km in the 1550nm window, 134.5dB/km in 1300nm
window and 150.95dB/km in the 850nm window. The probability of encountering different
atmospheric attenuation conditions is estimated. Fading loss due to scintillation is investigated
using the lognormal statistical model. It is shown that the margin to compensate for losses due to
scintillation depends on the power scintillation index and the allowable system outage
probability. The system availability estimated in Ghana is above 99% for a propagation path of
1km.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering,
College of Engineering in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MSc Telecommunication Engineering, 2014