Free Space Optical Channel Parameters Estimation for High Altitude Platform System

Abstract

Requirements on computer networks speed are steadily increasing. Unfortunately it is not possible to use a classic fiber optic backbone networks in all areas due to very high cost of this system. High altitude platform system offers communication on long distance with a great degree of flexibility. In combination with free space optics it provides low cost solution with high rate-speed. However as an atmosphere is used as the transfer medium disadvantage of this solution is dependency on atmospheric conditions. To guarantee 100% link availability it is necessary to create backup transfer channel. Following article estimates the main parameters of atmosphere and compares them with basic requirements on free space optics communication parts - transmitter and receiver.