Seasonal Signal Attenuation in Free-Space Optical Links: A Case Study of Coastal Regions (Goa, Odisha, Kanyakumari)

Free-Space Optics (FSO) presents a compelling alternative for high-bandwidth communication, offering rapid deployment and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional wired systems. 1 However, FSO systems are susceptible to atmospheric conditions, particularly in coastal regions characterized by significant seasonal variations in weather. 2 This study investigates the impact of seasonal signal attenuation on FSO links operating in three distinct coastal regions of India: Goa, Odisha, and Kanyakumari. Utilizing Differential Phase-Shift Keying (DPSK) modulation, the research evaluates the performance of FSO systems by analyzing key metrics such as bit error rate (BER) and link availability across different seasons, considering factors like rainfall, fog, and atmospheric turbulence. The findings of this study aim to provide valuable insights into the feasibility and reliability of FSO deployments in challenging coastal environments, contributing to the development of robust and resilient FSO communication systems for diverse applications.