Key developments and research for future optical networks will be discussed during a workshop at ECOC 2018 in Rome, Italy, presented by experts from operators, equipment suppliers and academic institutions based in the US, China and Europe.
The future bandwidth available through 5G mobile and fixed line networks depends heavily on the development and deployment of advanced optical networks connecting data centers, edge computing systems, base stations and access networks. High-capacity and flexible optical networks are vital for the delivery of enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and cloud services that support a growing range of applications including ultra-high-definition video (UHD), social media, vehicle communications, big data processing, data management and storage and IoT.
Optical networks are continuing to evolve. Performance, flexibility, power consumption and reliability are key drivers. Higher throughput per wavelength, disaggregation and Transport SDN (T-SDN) have caught the headlines. Behind-the-scenes work is going on to deliver greater spectral efficiency, higher data rate channels and greater integration. Cost-effective coherent modules with flexible operating modes enable new deployment models. Artificial intelligence and enhanced network management will enable autonomous and self-healing networks that provide dynamic bandwidth on demand.