Evaluation of spectrum sliced-FSO communication system incorporating different modulation schemes

In the radio-frequency (RF) spectrum, optical wireless communication (OWC) emerges as a promising alternative due to its high data capacity, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and enhanced security potential. This paper explores OWC networks using various modulation schemes, including Return-to-Zero (RZ), Non-Return-to-Zero (NRZ), and On-Off Keying (OOK). Simulation results, conducted via OptiSystem, reveal that bit rates of up to 40 Gb/s over distances up to 500 km are achievable. Maximum Q factors, minimum bit error rates (BER), and signal power across time and frequency spectra are analyzed and compared for each modulation scheme, highlighting OOK’s superior performance. The study examines the highest Q factors in relation to received power at varying distances up to 500km, signal interference by changing modulation format. Ultimately, this research aims to balance data efficiency and adaptability for OWC application by applying wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system.