Improving free space optics performance using QC-LDPC codes and simplified bit flipping decoding in low visibility conditions

Currently, free space optics (FSO) is the most promising technology for achieving high data transfer over short to medium or even long distances. Thus, FSO provides wireless line-of-sight (LOS) connectivity in the unlicensed spectrum and can be a high-bandwidth wireless alternative in contrast to fiber optic cabling. Moreover, the FSO offers rapid assembly times and significant cost savings. However, atmospheric weather (e.g., fog, rain, and snow) can degrade the FSO performance, especially in low visibility conditions. Therefore, this research aims to improve the FSO performance using quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (QC-LDPC) codes in low visibility scenarios or thick turbulence conditions. In addition, a simplified bit-flipping (SBF) algorithm was proposed to decode the information by the receiver side to minimize complexity. Subsequently, the FSO system is simulated using a 1550 nm laser at different data rates of 1 to 20 Gbps data rate and 1-Watt transmitted power. This paper was analyzed using different empirical models of atmosphere attenuation, like the Kim, Kruse, and Naboulsi models. This simulation also uses modulation techniques such as on-off keying, phase shift keying, and quadrature amplitude modulation. Moreover, the looping iteration number of SBF could improve the system's performance. We also consider using a low-cost PIN photodetector for practical implementation. Our simulation results show that QC-LDPC codes can achieve an average bit error rate of $${10}^{-9}$$ in lower visibility than uncoded information. Our research has significant implications for enhancing fiber optic performance in adverse atmospheric phenomena.