FSO Overview and Key Terms
Overview Free-Space Optics (FSO) communication, also called free-space optical communication, is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free…
Read MoreInterception Resistance
Overview FSO communications have built-in interception resistance due to the way information is sent. Consider first how a radio-frequency signal is…
Read MoreSpace Development Agency (SDA)
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is a United States government entity that researches, develops, and fields next-generation technology for the United…
Read MoreWavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)
Overview Wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) is the combination of many optical signals into one transmission medium. Rather than sending a signal…
Read MoreFSO Physical Limitations
Some FSO Limitations include the following: Obstructions Flying birds, trees, and tall buildings can temporarily block a single beam when it…
Read MoreOptical Inter-Satellite Links (OISL)
Overview Inter-Satellite Links (ISL) allow satellites to communicate with each other in a constellation. Optical Inter-Satellite Links (OISL) are ISLs that utilize…
Read MoreOptical Limitations
Absorption Absorption is caused by molecules suspended in the terrestrial atmosphere interacting with an incident photon and absorbing some or all…
Read MoreQuantum Key Distribution (QKD)
Overview Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a communications method which uses a cryptographic protocol involving components of quantum mechanics. It is…
Read MoreDynamic Networks (SDN/NFV)
Dynamic networks are networking systems that are designed to be adapted to a customer’s needs. Typically, dynamic networking refers to controlling…
Read MoreUV Non-Line-of-Sight System
An Ultraviolet Non-Line-Of-Sight system (or, UV NLOS system) is a system designed to perform short-ranged free-space optical communication using atmospheric scattering…
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