FLEX-SCALE

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In the scope of 6G

Objectives

Establish front-haul and back-haul 6G network requirements and system specifications to satisfy the 6G application needs, and identification of components’ capabilities, supported by modelling and simulation studies to optimise the management of traffic flows across the network.

Design, implementation and evaluation of a Multi-Granular (MG) optical network node, which is implemented by WBSS modules at ingress/egress fibre ports and augmented by OXC and WSS functions. This novel node can support all the way from full fibre routing, full band routing all the way to legacy wavelength routing.

Development of WaveBand Selective Switch (WBSS) concept on SiN PIC platform

Development of 10 Tb/s-capable all-optical energy-efficient optical interconnects

Development of an energy-efficient plasmonic optoelectronic platform

Develop algorithms and implement sustainable transport network control to optimise traffic flows across network layers

Integration of SDN controlled 10Tbps Transceivers & Pb/s UWB/SDM Nodes

Demonstration of the SDM/UWB fast switching using the abilities of the WBSS and demonstration of oDAC solution through lab trials

Techno-economic studies of the FLEX-SCALE network, subsystems and device developments.

Impacts

Scientific Impact: Consolidation of new skills/expertise on FLEX-SCALE innovative technologies creating new collaboration and opportunities.

Economic/technological impact: The product development of FLEX-SCALE prototypes, not only in the photonics circuits side but also on the network side and the different hardware/software systems and subsystems will strengthen the European position in the telecommunications and photonics markets. And that by incorporating and enhancing the products of the multi-Pb/s UWB/SDM MG node, high-speed transceivers based on oDAC, ultra-fast control/monitoring, and telemetry solutions in the supply chain. Primarily belonging to EU companies and institutions.

Societal Impact: Reduction of the overall ICT carbon footprint and increase the protection of the environment thanks to the targeted low-cost, energy-efficient photonic FLEX-SCALE technologies, changing the strategy in systems, subsystems, and nodes for 6G networks, representing a unique energy-saving solution.