FSO2F

FSO2F, or Free Space Optical to Fiber, is a term used in telecommunications to describe a class of interfaces or transceivers that convert a free-space optical signal into a fiber-optic signal suitable for transmission over conventional fiber networks. The aim is to bridge wireless free-space links with fixed fiber infrastructure, enabling hybrid networks that combine the flexibility of free-space paths with the low-loss, high-capacity properties of fiber.

In typical architectures, a free-space transmitter emits a modulated optical beam which travels through the atmosphere to an FSO2F receiver. The received light is collected by a telescope, converted to an electrical signal by a photodetector, and then processed by an electrical front end before driving a fiber-optic transmitter to inject the signal into the fiber network. Some implementations use direct optical-to-optical conversion, while others rely on an optical-electrical-optical path and standard fiber transceivers. Systems may include pointing, tracking and acquisition subsystems to maintain alignment and may employ dispersion management and forward error correction.

Performance and challenges: FSO2F links can offer high data rates but are sensitive to atmospheric conditions, misalignment, and weather. Link budgeting must account for turbulence, fog, rain, and ambient light, as well as mechanical stability and temperature.

Applications and notes: Common use cases include metropolitan and campus backhaul, temporary or disaster-degraded network recovery, and hybrid networks that combine wireless and fiber legs. The term is not tied to a single standard and typically relies on commodity FSO and fiber transceivers.