Next-Generation Dual Transceiver FSO Communication System for High-Speed Trains in Neom Smart City

Smart cities like Neom require efficient and reliable transportation systems to support their vision of sustainable and interconnected urban environments. High-speed trains (HSTs) play a crucial role in connecting different areas of the city and facilitating seamless mobility. However, to ensure uninterrupted communication along the rail lines, advanced communication systems are essential to expand the coverage range of each base station (BS) while reducing the handover frequency. This paper presents the dual transceiver free space optical (FSO) communication system as a solution to achieve these objectives in the operational environment of HSTs in Neom city. Our channel model incorporates log-normal (LN) and gamma–gamma (GG) distributions to represent channel impairments and atmospheric turbulence in the city. Furthermore, we integrated the siding loop model, providing valuable insights into the system in real-world scenarios. To assess the system’s performance, we formulated the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the network under assumed fading conditions. Additionally, we analyzed the system’s bit error rate (BER) analytically and through Monte Carlo simulation. A comparative analysis with reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) and relay-assisted FSO communications shows the superior coverage area and efficiency of the dual transceiver model. A significant reduction of up to 76% and 99% in the number of required BSs compared to RIS and relay, respectively, is observed. This reduction leads to fewer handovers and lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs.