Statistical model of free-space optical data link

The paper deals with a statistical model of free-space optical (FSO) data link that takes into account the duration of individual fade events. It is well known that a general data transmission using the Internet protocol (IP) is almost insensitive to link interruptions for hundreds of milliseconds while real-time video services will be badly affected. The statistical model is based on the knowledge of the probability density function of random attenuations and the probability density function of durations of the fades. The paper shows the results from our test site obtained from 1999 to 2001.