Free-space optical communication
Communication using light sent through free space / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Free-space optical communication?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
SHOW ALL QUESTIONS
This article is about optical communication over long distances. For short- to medium-range communication, see Optical wireless communications.
Free-space optical communication (FSO) is an optical communication technology that uses light propagating in free space to wirelessly transmit data for telecommunications or computer networking. "Free space" means air, outer space, vacuum, or something similar. This contrasts with using solids such as optical fiber cable.
The technology is useful where the physical connections are impractical due to high costs or other considerations.