Deliverable D3.1: End-to-end design of next generation smart optical networks
Deliverable D3.1 reports the work carried out within the first 13 months of the project SEASON.
It starts by mentioning the network topologies and architectures as they have been defined in the WP2. In particular, it reports the segments of access, metro aggregation, and metro. Here, thanks to the contribution of the network operators, we discussed in detail the state of the art, the current limitations, and the envisioned SEASON network architecture. In this context, network and physical layer requirements are reported and the possible solutions that will be discussed within the project.
Next, the transmission models for multi-band over single core fiber and multi-core ones that have been developed over the last decade are discussed and, when needed, modified, or extended in SEASON. This refers mainly to the generalized Gaussian noise model that have been simplified to achieve faster computational speed. These models are fundamental to estimate, plan and manage modern optical networks. In fact, as split step Fourier method is time consuming, in particular when considering transmission over multi band, then an accurate and fast transmission model is highly valuable. In SEASON, we do not only use existing models, but we improved them to target studies to support the requirements discussed withing WP2.
Data plane is also a fundamental topic in an optical communication project. In SEASON, we investigate it in terms of: (i) transmission, (ii) transceivers, (iii) node architecture, and (iv) monitoring.
i) In the transmission part, we consider multi-band and multi-core, and relative components and system level optimization carried out with simplified but fast transmission models.
ii) For what concern transceivers, we proposed flexible solutions, using direct or coherent detection, and being them point-to-point or point-to-multipoint. These could either be low-cost solutions (with direct detection) or could enable network simplification (coherent with point-to-multipoint capabilities).
iii) The node architecture is investigated based on assumptions defined within the WP2. In this context, solutions for multi-band and multi-core are individually proposed. As SEASON aims at proposing solution also for the access part of the network, a novel node architecture approach is proposed for the edge segment.
iv) Data monitoring is fundamental for sensing natural event or identifying soft-failure, and thus being capable of providing early detection and thus improving maintenance. In SEASON, both optical and digital monitoring are discussed and investigated.
All the studies carried out in terms of data plane are finally mapped in four large comprehensive use cases, whose studies are carried out under certain requirements and with certain capabilities and levels of accuracy.
We identified the follow four use cases, which will be widely covered during the next two years of the project: (i) front- and mid-haul, and access; (ii) ultra-high-capacity access network also using multi-core-based passive optical networks; (iii) optical bypass, and (iv) metro-aggregation.
