European Conference on Optical Communication

Mobile applications are evolving rapidly, requiring accurate and highly sophisticated computational methods such as machine learning (ML) techniques. Their processing power requirements cannot be supported in a mobile device with reasonable latency and energy consumption.

Currently these applications are designed based on hosting all computation in high-end remote cloud servers. Queries generated from users’ mobile devices are sent to the cloud for processing. In this approach, large amounts of data (e.g., images, video and audio) are uploaded to the server via multiple networks, resulting in high latency and energy costs.

To overcome these issues, emerging solutions are designed to host all the computation at the edge computing servers close to users. The drawbacks of this approach include limited computing capability at the edge, network delay and its variation (wireless network) and complexity to handle mobility of users from edge to edge.

Another recent technological solution is Split Computing. In this approach, computing tasks are split and executed between the mobile devices, the edge compute resource and the cloud.

Realizing split computing requires advanced techniques for breaking a computational task , e.g. Deep Neural Network (DNN ) into head and tails ends for execution in mobile, edge and cloud. It also requires close orchestration between application and a network in order to provide low latency connectivity between different parts of a computing tasks split across mobile, edge and cloud data center. This becomes even more challenging when users are mobile and in highly dense scenarios.

This workshop aims to discuss challenges and possible solutions as well as opportunities for optical technologies for realizing next generation edge computing based on split computing.

The workshop includes a series of position talks from industry and academia followed by a panel discussion.

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As state-of-the-art transmission equipment pushes towards higher spectral efficiencies and symbol rates, there is an equally important drive for flexibility in optical networks. In response to this, highly flexible bandwidth allocation, adaptive constellation entropy (or spectral efficiency), and machine learning-based DSP paradigms are all being considered for future network deployments. However, adaptivity increases system and network complexity. Could other solutions be more cost-effective or practical?

In this session, a cross-section of representatives from industry and academia will give their take on the questions of adaptivity and flexibility in future optical networks.

The workshop will be divided into four sections:
 • Crystal balling: how to make a deployment decision today based on the next 20 years’ needs?
 • Do we need more (or less!) adaptivity in optical networks?
 • Capacity without complexity: can we meet capacity demands with better fiber/cables, alone?
 • Reality versus fiction in autonomous networks

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With the fiber-to-everywhere vision, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) established at the beginning of 2020 an industry specification group (ISG) dedicated to the definition and specification of the 5th generation fixed network (F5G). Since then, the first release of 14 use cases of F5G have been published, and the second release of 18 use cases is forthcoming. Reaching deeper to final access points, optical fibre will realize its full potential to support a fully connected, intelligent world with high bandwidth, high reliability, low latency, and low energy consumption. This workshop is intended to provide a timely update on the new progresses made on F5G. Particularly, proof-of-concept demonstrations of several use cases published in F5G Use Case Release 1, such as cloud virtual reality (Cloud-VR) and fiber-to-the-room (FTTR), will be presented. In addition, the emerging use cases to be released by early 2022 will be described. Among them are: industrial PON, rural broadband, and edge/cloud-based control of industrial robots and automated guided vehicles etc. This workshop also aims to encourage stimulating discussion on the future evolution toward F6G. Specifically, new application areas, support for even better quality network enabling novel applications, and improving the users experience. The topics of this workshop include:
 • F5G use cases with focus on proof-of-concept demonstrations
 • F5G for better supporting Industry 4.0 and industrial internet of things (IIOT)
 • Enabling Optical Technologies for low-latency broadband communication
 • Enabling Optical Technologies for energy-efficient broadband communication
 • Harmonized communication and sensing/positioning
 • Space and Satellite Optical Communications
 • Evolution towards F6G: How optical network would look like in 2025 and 2030
 • Support for novel applications and better user experience.

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RF Photonic systems handle photonic and electromagnetic waves, being the only technology today enabling continuous generation of Terahertz signals where vast amounts of bandwidth are available. However, as frequencies increase, also increases the complexity of the characterization and packaging of these systems. Current efforts are towards the development of standardized packaging solutions within Packaging Pilot Lines, providing fiber array access ports and multiple DC electrical connections. However, RF applications are still lagging behind, considering that Beyond 5G aiming to move at frequencies above 100 GHz. This is a major problem since there are few RF connector solutions at higher frequencies, with coaxial standards reaching up to 110 GHz (1-mm connector) and rectangular waveguides segmenting the spectrum into bands defined by flange size. In this workshop we will discuss state-of-the-art for characterization and packaging of photonic Terahertz systems.

This workshop is organized around the TERAmeasure Pathfinder Open EU project (www.uc3m.es/research/terameasure), developing photonic-driven technologies for Terahertz instrumentation. The goal is to develop a photonic-based Vector Network Analyzer operating beyond 1 THz. The workshop provides an overview of why we need these systems, and the current challenges that are faced when developing devices and systems operating above 100 GHz, with key speakers addressing the different components (high-speed photodiodes, detectors), the integration of antennas and the assembly challenges.

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In this workshop, we will be discussing the last trends and advancements of optical frequency combs, spanning a broad frequency range from NIR to THz, with an on-chip twist. Several approaches to comb generation (fiber-based, Kerr combs, QCLs and ICLs, non-linear conversion,  supercontinuum…. ) and characterization will be presented. Themes such as soliton formation, spectroscopic applications, device integration as well as hybrid approaches to comb operation will be debated. The workshop will feature 15 minutes-long presentations from the individual panelists as well as a final, half-hour long Q&A panel interactive session to promote discussion and exchange views on the different proposed approaches.

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This workshop will discuss the technologies for heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits and the applications requiring them. The strengths and weaknesses of the different technologies are addressed and a match will be sought between current/future applications & existing technologies.

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This workshop aims to discuss the recent advances in Universal Linear Optical circuits and their transfer into Photonic Integrated Circuits for addressing a broad range of applications, including, but not limited to, machine learning, neuromorphic photonics, hard problem solving, quantum photonics, programmable photonics and microwave photonics. 

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Exponential growth is not sustainable, and the once long-term problems of climate change are becoming rapidly short-term problems affecting resource depletion, waste generation, general pollution and increasing prevalence of natural disasters. This workshop examines the green credentials of the optical communications industry, and looks at initiatives and directions towards a more sustainable future.

Today’s networks focus on high-end performance and end-user experience. Tomorrow’s networks must also balance energy efficiency with varying traffic-load, and designs focused on sustainability.

The workshop precedes the Nobel plenary talk of Didier Queloz on Exoplanet Discovery, and in contrast to traditional ECOC workshops, will be open to the general public. There will be plenty of opportunity for thought-provoking discussion and questions!

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It is anticipated that new use cases will become the main drivers behind the need for emerging PON technologies. Applications such as mobile front haul (MFH) and mobile back haul (MBH) for 5G and future 6G networks will require PONs with capacities well beyond those outlined in the ITU recommendation on Higher Speed PONs. The conventional IM/DD approach based on NRZ is already close to its limits in terms of launch power levels or receiver sensitivity, motivating research into new directions in order to reach network throughput beyond 50 Gbit/s per wavelength. The workshop covers these topics with two sessions of presentations. The first session will discuss solutions to further scale throughput and improve operational aspects using existing IM/DD approaches. The latest recommendations for Higher Speed PON will be presented covering 50G upstream challenges and limitations, as well as TWDM evolution and use cases. In addition, the evolution of IM/DD PON systems will be discussed including: how to bring flexibility in PONs, DSP energy consumption considerations and possible developments in advanced DSP. Insights on future PONs based on new transceiver architectures will be presented in the second session, which will explore advances at the device and sub-system level that are required to increase PON capacity to beyond 100 Gbit/s per wavelength. The discussion will also consider how technologies developed for data centre and metropolitan networks (integrated photonics, coherent transmission, multi-carrier systems, DSP, etc.,) can be adapted for PON applications.

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Multi-band (MB) expands the available capacity of optical fibres beyond traditional C and/or C+L bands by enabling transmission within S, E, and O bands - translating into a potential 10x capacity increase. MB networking raises challenges from both system and network perspectives.

From the point of view of the former, MB networks require new key components, such as optical amplifiers, transceivers, and possibly MB reconfigurable add/drop multiplexers (MB ROADMs). For the latter, MB networks require an improved modelling of the physical layer, novel algorithms for monitoring and correcting of the nonlinear impairments as well as adapted node and network architectures to fully exploit MB along with the required abstractions for network planning, configuration, and control.

However, do we have to consider MB networks as simple extensions of traditional C-band networks? For example, how ROADMs look like in MB networks supporting hundreds of wavelengths? Do we need ROADMs with few GHz switching granularity or MB filterless subsystems might be adequate in most of the cases? And from a networking perspective, do we have to consider single domains of transparency or remove boundaries between network domains thus reducing electronic intermediate terminations? How SDN control will evolve to control such end-to-end domain-less architecture?

This workshop will first present the state-of-the art and future trends of MB devices and technologies. Furthermore, it will discuss when and where MB networks are expected to be introduced first, including the operators’ strategies regarding the adoption of MB networks. Then, the workshop will discuss what the implications of the availability of MB are, including redesign of the end-to-end architecture(s), MB switching technologies and SDN control, beyond traditional approaches.

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This workshop will open a discussion trying to answer how different technologies can cope with the Key Performance Indicators and Key Valuable Indicators or social impact effects considered in 6G, including how to contribute to walk the path for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. From architectural issues identifying the needs on different scenarios to the solutions proposed by the different technologies including Transport and Access Networks, Optical Wireless Communications, THz, hybrid systems and Power over Fiber among others.

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Generic optics, developed for applications different from RANs, may not fit the requirements of the mobile transport network. Optical components natively conceived for radio access and based on technologies driven by its requirements (right optics at the right time and the right cost) would accelerate the pace at which RANs are deployed and decrease the relative cost of the optics as part of the total RAN solution. All industry players (communication service providers, system vendors, and optical pluggable vendors) can gain from a cooperative approach where a common and shared view of the features that the RAN requires from optical components is built first. This fosters a bigger and less fragmented market when the usual competition phase starts. It would make it easier, and with lower risk, to estimate and plan the evolution of networks and products. Moreover, R&D work can be done faster and more effectively with reduced risk and a better ecosystem with more stable and sustainable supply chains can be put in place. The MOPA (Mobile Optical Pluggable Alliance) is an example of this new approach.

In the workshop, major industries, network operators and representatives of the research community will provide their view, pointing to solutions to fill the current gaps in standardization and technology development, accelerating the deployments of 5G transport networks and making them more cost-effective.

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Quantum technology is subject to intense academic and industrial debate due to its prospects as a game changer in the fields of secure communications, computation and sensing. However, there has been little action taken up to now when it comes to practical field-deployment as bearer for “live” end-user applications. Extending these networks to serve as a Quantum Internet in an emerging computing realm poses no smaller challenge.

We will discuss the findings of recent field-installations conducted during first pilots supporting the ramp up of the EuroQCI (European Quantum Communication infrastructure) initiative, aiming to establish a Quantum Internet by the end of the decade – not only to ultimately contribute to data security but also to unleash new concepts such as distributed quantum computing and quantum sensing networks.

The workshop is divided in three sessions: Presentations of Session 1 will set the scene by highlighting the findings of current QKD network deployments conducted during the past 12 months and the lessons learnt for the expansion towards a Quantum Internet. Session 2 will then focus on the technologies and feasibility to bridge longer distances for extended-reach quantum networks. Together with Session 3, it will also put focus on the controversy between a quantum repeater versus a repeaterless approach. Finally, Session 3 will elaborate on the applications of a global Quantum Internet and the timeframe for its practical deployment.

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By following the standard CMOS fabrication processes in the microelectronics industry, silicon or III/V photonics are emerging as the platforms of choice for large-scale photonic integration circuits (PICs) that offer the well-known advantages of low-cost at high-volume and high yield as well as scalability, respectively. However, co-integration of electronics with photonics is becoming critical for actually exploiting the high bandwidth, reduced power consumption, further shrink footprint and most importantly guaranteeing all this at lower cost. Novel co-integration schemes and further improved functionalities are needed to go beyond the limitations posed by the intrinsic material capabilities and speed imitations at the electro-optical interfaces. This workshop provides opportunities to discuss and debate the latest technologies on which photonics and electronics can be co-integrated and synergically operate to satisfy requirements in bandwidth and speed. The aim of this workshop is to compare performance, pinpoint limitations and stimulate the envisioning of novel schemes for future technology development.

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The losses of optical fibers have been reduced to ~0.14dB/km and the fiber count in single small-diameter cables has rapidly increased to ~6,912 in these days. Uncoupled multi-core fibers and few mode fibers with standard cladding diameter for SDM transmission are intensively investigated for practical use. Hollow-core fibers transmitting over a broad wavelength range compete with standard silica fibers with respect to attenuation. Adding new materials into doped fibers shows the potential to expand transmission window beyond the C+L bands. In this workshop, we discuss the emerging technologies of transmission fibers ​and optical amplification that will achieve the next major leap in optical communications.

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