Free-space optical communication

Free-space optical communication (FSO) transmits data by sending laser or LED beams through the air or space without using wires or cables. It works like a tricked-out flashlight or laser pointer that carries information to a receiver, which detects the light and converts it back into data. FSO is useful for high-speed connections over short or long distances—like between buildings or satellites—where laying cables is impractical or costly. It offers fast, secure, and interference-resistant communication, but it can be affected by weather conditions like fog, rain, or smog that scatter or block the light.