Determining the feasibility of Free Space Optical Communication in Namibia

• Theoretical studies show that Free Space Optical Communication is feasible for Namibia.
• Turbulence is the major contributor to atmospheric loss in Namibia.
• Scattering losses are very low in Namibia courtesy of high visibility.
• Walvis Bay exhibits the worst FSOC performance in Namibia.
• Walvis Bay suffers from high turbulence and the effects of the Benguela Ocean Current.

Namibia has a great potential for Free Space Optical Communication (FSOC) because of its clear skies. This paper determines the feasibility of FSOC in Namibia by using theoretical models. Visibility, wind speed, and altitude data for several locations are used to compute atmospheric losses under average and worst case atmospheric conditions. Optimal FSOC link distances for all the locations are determined under both conditions by evaluating each location's atmospheric loss against the power link margin. Results show that under average conditions, an FSOC optimal link distance of up to 7500 m can be achieved for inland locations. On the other hand, Grootfontein and Katima Mulilo, at 6900 m, have the longest distance under worst case atmospheric conditions. Walvis Bay has the shortest FSOC link distances of 3224 m and 2500 m under average and worst case conditions respectively. This study shows that FSOC in Namibia is feasible for last mile broadband access networks, where link distances are generally less than 10 km. These results are based on theoretical models, which have taken into account reasonable realistic assumptions. Practical field tests using FSOC equipment will be conducted as part of future work. Comparisons will be made with theoretical results obtained in this study.