Channel modeling for terrestrial free space optical links

With recent advances and interest in free space optics (FSO) for commercial deployments, a proper understanding of optical signal propagation in different atmospheric conditions has become essential, and thus arises the need to rationalize the effects of atmospheric channel on terrestrial FSO links. In this paper, we present the preliminary results of our effort to simulate the atmospheric free space terrestrial optical channel with precise mathematical models of the most deterrent attenuators. Attenuations due to fog, rain, snow and scintillation are considered. Thus, the channel model acquired is a first step towards developing a comprehensive model predicting the performance of a terrestrial FSO link operating under natural weather conditions.