Advancing Free-Space Optical Communication System Architecture: Performance Analysis of Varied Optical Ground Station Network Configurations

TL;DR

This paper analyzes various ground station network configurations for free-space optical communication, comparing performance and feasibility of portable versus large systems in satellite networks to inform industry stakeholders.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive performance analysis of different optical ground station architectures and evaluates the potential of low-cost portable terminals as alternatives.

Findings

Portable OGS networks show competitive performance with large systems.

Trade-offs between system performance and network availability are identified.

Feasibility of low-cost portable terminals is supported for certain applications.

Abstract

This study discusses the current state of FSO technology, as well as global trends and developments in the industrial ecosystem to identify obstacles to the full realization of optical space-to-ground communication networks. Additionally, link performance and network availability trade-off studies are presented, comparing overall system performance between portable and large OGS networks in conjunction with a constellation of small low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The paper provides an up-to-date overview and critical analysis of the FSO industry and assesses the feasibility of low-cost portable terminals as an alternative to larger high-capacity OGS systems. This initiative aims to better inform optical communications stakeholders, including governments, academic institutions, satellite operators, manufacturers, and communication service providers