Stream 6: Intelligent Optical Networks

Optical Testbed DataSpace: A New Role for Optical Network Testbeds in the Era of Network AI/ML
Yuki Yoshida, NICT

AI/ML-based solutions show promise in automating networks and the network continuum, but they face issues of reproducibility and reliability due to the limited availability of field-collected datasets. This talk discusses an international data-sharing framework that incorporates data sovereignty among optical network testbeds to address the data scarcity. A preliminary demonstration of sovereign data exchange between testbeds in Germany and Japan is reported.

Carrier-grade AI/ML for optical network automation: from models to deployment requirements
Carlos Natalino, Chalmers University of Technology

AI/ML represents an essential enabler for optical networks to achieve advanced levels of automation. However, determining whether an AI/ML model is suitable for real-world, carrier-grade deployment remains challenging and is often based on empirical experience rather than explicit deployment requirements. This talk explores how to assess AI/ML model performance, and how to measure their impact on network operational performance.

 

Next Generation RAN enabled by Photonic Technologies
Tongyun Li, Cambridge University

Next-generation Radio Access Networks (RAN) must deliver higher capacity, lower latency, and improved energy efficiency while supporting distributed and cell-free MIMO architectures. This talk explores how photonic technologies, including silicon photonics switching, high-speed optical fronthaul, free-space optical (FSO) links, and Sigma-Delta-over-Fibre (SDoF), can enable flexible and scalable RAN deployments. I will discuss how data compression, advanced fronthaul equalisation, and tight time/phase synchronisation mitigate fibre, wireless, and quantisation impairments, enabling coherent joint transmission in RAN systems. System-level trade-offs, practical implementation challenges, and experimental insights relevant to 5G-Advanced and 6G networks will also be discussed.

 

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