Deliverable D3.2: Optical systems enabling ultra-high-capacity access/metro networks
This deliverable reports the activities of WP3 during the second year of the SEASON project. The work is structured in two main parts. The first six chapters are dedicated to the data plane architecture, technology mapping, key performance indicators (KPIs) alignment and the development of optical subsystems, focusing on areas such as network design, transmission modelling, optimization, optical monitoring, and power-efficient solutions. The latter section describes the innovations/prototypes/components implemented within WP3, which are key elements in fulfilling the objectives and goals of the overall SEASON project.
The document first introduces a summary of the proposed novel network architecture designed to address the increasing demand for higher bandwidth and network capacity, as discussed in more detail in WP2 (see deliverable D2.1 [D2.1-24]). The proposed architecture is segmented into two main domains: Access-Metro and Backbone and it supports various levels of decentralization. Furthermore, we define a two-phase approach, with a Medium- (4 years) and Long-term (8 years) reference periods for implementing the proposed architecture and solutions are envisioned, introducing, and discussing key technologies such as new fiber types and multi-band transmission techniques. Data plane technologies are mapped within the envisioned SEASON architecture also discussing KPI alignment and development path.
To this end and based on WP2 outputs, SEASON project proposes innovative solutions for the optical data plane included in this document. In particular, the modelling of an end-to-end design of optical networks is investigated and presented, focusing on energy efficiency increase and power consumption reduction. In this regard, optical versus electrical aggregation and network optimization with digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM), enabling both point-to-point (P2P) and point-to-multipoint (P2MP) transceivers are analysed. Such solutions allow for more flexible and scalable network designs, reducing overall costs and energy consumption. In addition to DSCM, ROADM-free IP over wavelength division multiplexing (IPoWDM) networks are also explored. This approach eliminates the need for traditional reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) and is driven by recent advances in coherent transceivers and packet-switching ASICs. These offer a more cost-effective and efficient solution for the Access-Metro segment. Initial performance studies suggest that ROADM-free networks can significantly reduce capital expenditures (CAPEX), particularly in scenarios where the traffic demand is lower than the available transceiver capacity.
In addition, in this document various scenarios for upgrading network capacity using both multiband (MB) and space division multiplexing (SDM) technologies are investigated and proposed. While MB transmission is currently the most cost-effective solution for increasing capacity over existing fiber infrastructure, SDM also offers significant long-term benefits. To support MB over SDM operation and manage the increasing demands of future networks, different node architectures and transmission solutions have been proposed and analysed. Furthermore, for supporting MBoSDM operation over C+S+L-bands, suitable optical subsystems including novel optical transceiver and switching solutions are implemented and preliminary assessed. These subsystems have been designed, in view of further enhancing performance, efficiency, flexibility and scalability of the network. Efficient network designs for power-optimized P2MP solutions in MBoSDM scenarios are also investigated for next generation optical networks. The investigation also included a cost benefit analysis.
Activities related to the front/mid-haul and access segment beyond 5G are also considered, analysing the radio access network (RAN) fronthaul network and promoting P2MP technology for next generation mobile transport, also proposing a spatial passive optical network (PON) architecture which ensures high performance and scalability by the exploitation of the spatial dimension.
Optical monitoring and power efficiency strategies are crucial topics that are also investigated in SEASON and reported in this document. Various approaches to reduce power consumption in optical networks are studied, emphasizing the role of pluggable transceivers and advanced monitoring techniques.
Finally, the document reports the main SEASON data plane prototypes/components/innovations (components C3.1 to C3.9) proposed as key solutions to meet the project objectives, goals and network requirements. These include:
- Advanced node and transceiver architectures (components C3.1-C3.4)
- Digital signal processing (DSP) receiver (Rx)-based monitoring (component C3.5)
- A predictive maintenance (PdM) system for MB amplifiers (C3.6)
- Optical monitoring and telemetry systems (component C3.7)
- Research activities on pluggable amplifiers and SmartNIC with coherent pluggable (C3.8‑C3.9).
The proposed SEASON solutions will play a crucial role in ensuring an efficient operation and management of high-capacity MBoSDM optical networks, while addressing critical network challenges and requirements. All this WP3 technologies and achievements will be key towards fulfilling SEASON objectives and KPIs, in particular those related to providing: i) a sustainable network architecture able to scale up network capacity and cope with challenging user needs through improved power efficiency, reliability, and self-management capabilities; ii) a scalable, ultra-high capacity, and power efficient MBoSDM network infrastructure spanning from access to cloud; iii) novel optical systems and subsystems for MBoSDM transmission; iv) a pervasive monitoring infrastructure for secure and truly self-managed networking; and v) a control plane, monitoring and streaming telemetry solution.
WP3 components and results will be used in WP4 and WP5 activities facilitating the integration with the control plane and final demonstrations.