FsoPublication

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This article discusses the application and implications of a new class of optical wireless broadband communications technology utilizing line-of-sight optical links commonly referred to as free space optical communications (FSOC). As the emergence of this technology is likely to spawn an industry with rapid growth in the broadband access telecommunications market, the article will also briefly examine some of the technologies unique operational considerations and focus on the public safety issues associated with large-scale public deployment, and will conclude with a brief review of future directions and recent and very preliminary committee drafts on the operational and safety standards being proposed by members of ANSI Z136.6 and IEC TC76 working group 5-part 12. Comprehensive standards for FSOC applications are not expected before 2003. ©2001 Laser Institute of America.