Are multi-band optical networks simple extensions of traditional C-band networks?

• Organisers

  Raul Muñoz, CTTC. Spain
  Filippo Cugini, CNIT, Italy
  Óscar González de Dios, Telefónica I+D, Spain

• Subcommittees

  SC7 – Core & Metro Networks
  SC5 – Theory of Optical Communications
  SC6 – Optical Transmission Systems

• Day & Time

  18.09.2022, 14:00 – 17:30

• Location

  Room Singapore

• Description

  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.

• Programme

  Session 1: Next generation technology to increase capacity (90 min, 12 min per speaker + 30 min discussion)
   Perspective of Multi-Band in TIM networks, Emilio Riccardi, Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM), Italy
   Challenges for Wavelength Switches in Multi-band ROADMs, David Neilson, Nokia, USA
   Challenges for introducing multi-band amplification in existing C-band networks, Lutz Rapp, ADVA, Germany
   Benefits of Multiband Optical Networks from a Telecom Operator’s perspective, Emilio Hugues Salas, BT, UK
   Challenges for multi-band transceivers and role of wavelength conversion, Takeshi Hoshida, Fujitsu, Japan

  Coffee Break (30 min)

  Session 2: Multi-band Networking for future applications (90 min, 15 min per speaker + 30 min discussion)
   Beyond C+L-band systems: is there a solid business case?, Joao Pedro, Infinera, Portugal
   Network upgrades exploiting multi band, Nicola Sambo, SSSUP, Italy
   Expanding disaggregated and open transport for metaverse ready networks, Arturo Mayoral, Telecom Infra Project, Spain
   Control Plane Challenges for Optical Multiband Networks, Ramon Casellas, CTTC, Spain

• Speakers

  Speaker 1: Emilio Riccardi, Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM), Italy
  Title: Perspective of Multi-Band in TIM networks
  Abstract: The presentation gives an overview of TIM national and regional networks and their short -medium term evolution. Perspective of multi-band (in particular C+L) is then discussed considering it in relation to the traffic growth in the various network segments, and advantages and disadvantages in comparison to traditional solutions based on transport systems in parallel.
  Biography: Emilio Riccardi after graduation in Physics from University of Torino, joined TIM (formerly CSELT) in 1992 where he is currently working in the “Innovation” department. His current interest is dedicated to Disaggregated Optical Networks. He has been involved in several EU Projects and is currently leading the data plane Working Package in the B5G-OPEN project. He has co-authored more than 50 journal and conference publications.

  Speaker 2: David Neilson, Nokia, USA
  Title: Challenges for Wavelength Switches in Multi-band ROADMs
  Abstract: I will discuss the challenges with extending current wavelength switches (WSS) based ROADMs to work beyond the C-Band. Considerations related to the design and scaling of WSS will be described as well as possible ROADM architectures to incorporate them.
  Biography: David Neilson is Group Leader and Principal Scientist for Optical Transmission at Nokia Bell Labs. He has researched optical switching system for over 30 years. He has designed wavelength switches for C-Band products and for multiple wide band research demonstrations. He is a IEEE and Bell Labs Fellow.

  Speaker 3: Lutz Rapp, ADVA, Germany
  Title: Challenges for introducing multi-band amplification in existing C-band networks
  Abstract: Although amplification has been demonstrated in all currently considered wavelength bands, amplification technology has reached in only two of them the level of maturity required for commercial deployment. Furthermore, amplifier manufacturing is more complex and time consuming in wavelength bands other than the C-band and the L-band. In addition, the design of new amplifiers needs to be adapted to existing network configuration optimized for C-band operation in order to minimize the number of additional regenerators. Challenges for introducing multi-band transmission in existing fiber networks will be addressed on amplifier device level and system level.
  Biography: Lutz Rapp received the Dipl.-Ing. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Stuttgart with a thesis on erbium-doped fiber amplifiers and the Dr sc. techn. degree from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, for a thesis dealing with capacity limiting effects in WDM systems. Since September 1999, he was working as an R&D engineer and project leader at Siemens AG and successor companies on high-speed and long-haul optical transmission systems with an emphasis on optical amplification, nonlinear fiber effects, link control and performance modeling. In August 2020, he joined the Advanced Technology group of ADVA.

  Speaker 4: Emilio Hugues Salas, BT, UK
  Title: Benefits of Multiband Optical Networks from a Telecom Operator’s perspective
  Abstract: Emilio Hugues Salas is a Specialist Research Professional working for British Telecom (BT), Applied Research, where he is involved in the design of future optical fibre networks. He is an optical communications researcher and engineer with many years of experience designing networks based on optical systems and sub-systems. In the European project B5G-OPEN, Dr. Hugues Salas contributes with use cases and physical layer tests of multiband optical networks. He is also a Full College Member of the UK EPSRC Peer Review Associate College, and he is an Associate Editor of the IEEE/OSA Journal of Lightwave Technology.
  Biography: Dr. Emilio Hugues Salas is a Specialist Research Professional working for British Telecom (BT), Applied Research, where he is involved in the design of future optical fibre networks. He is an optical communications researcher and engineer with many years of experience designing networks based on optical systems and sub-systems. In the European project B5G-OPEN, Dr. Hugues Salas contributes with use cases and physical layer tests of multiband optical networks. He is also a Full College Member of the UK EPSRC Peer Review Associate College, and he is an Associate Editor of the IEEE/OSA Journal of Lightwave Technology.

  Speaker 5: Takeshi Hoshida, Fujitsu, Japan
  Title: Challenges for multi-band transceivers and role of wavelength conversion
  Abstract: One of the challenges in multi-band WDM transmission systems resides in the development and/or operational complexity of multi-band optical transceivers. This presentation introduce an alternative WDM system architecture employing wavelength converters that enables multi-band WDM system without new band transceivers.
  Biography: Takeshi Hoshida received his B.E., M.E., and Ph.D. degrees in electronic engineering from the University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. Since he joined Fujitsu Laboratories Ltd., Kawasaki, Japan, in 1998, he has been engaged in the research and development of dense wavelength division multiplexing optical transmission systems. From 2000 to 2002, he was with Fujitsu Network Communications, Inc., Richardson, Texas. Since 2007, he has been with Fujitsu Limited, Kawasaki, Japan and he currently leads research activities on optical communication in Fujitsu.

  Speaker 6: Joao Pedro, Infinera, Portugal
  Title: Beyond C+L-band systems: is there a solid business case?
  Abstract: Multi-band optical systems offer the prospect of a multi-fold capacity increase relying on the current fiber plant. The development of commercial C+L-band line systems provides early insight on the design and operational challenges of exploiting twice the transmission bandwidth of conventional systems, as well as on efficient strategies to mitigate them. However, these challenges can be aggravated when adding further transmission bands to the mix (e.g., the S-band), putting into question the cost-effectiveness of beyond C+L-band systems. This presentation overviews recent findings on multi-band network design, highlighting the principal compromises associated to adopting this approach to scale network capacity.
  Biography: João Pedro holds a PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon. He is a senior principal engineer at Infinera, leading the planning tools architecture team and being responsible for designing capacity planning algorithms as well as supporting techno-economic investigations of future-looking architectures. He holds 6 patent applications and has co-authored over 250 publications. He has participated in several EU-funded projects, such as the Horizon 2020 Wideband Optical Networks. João Pedro is also a permanent staff member of the Portuguese Telecommunications Institute, a senior member of the IEEE and a member of Optica.

  Speaker 7: Nicola Sambo, SSSUP, Italy
  Title: Network upgrades exploiting multi band
  Abstract: network upgrades using bands beyond C+L are discussed. The different transmission bands (e.g., S or E) offer specific ranges of spectrum, however, the impact of Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) may be different. The exploitation of new bands is here evaluated accounting for transmission impairments (including SRS), also considering the quality of transmission (QoT) of already active channels in C+L. Solutions supporting traffic increase while limiting QoT degradations of channels in C+L may be required.
  Biography: Nicola Sambo received the PhD degree from Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna (SSSA), Pisa, Italy, in 2009. Currently, he is an Assistant Professor at SSSA. His activity is focused on optical networks, ranging from signal transmission to control plane, protocol analysis, and network architecture. He took part in several international projects, such as the EU HORIZON 2020 ORCHESTRA where he was work package (WP) leader. Currently, he is involved (as WP leader) in the EU ITN MENTOR project and in the Italian PRIN FIRST project. He is an author of around 200 publications including international journals, conference proceedings, and patents.

  Speaker 8: Arturo Mayoral, Telecom Infra Project, Spain
  Title: Expanding disaggregated and open transport for metaverse ready networks.
  Abstract: The metaverse has been announced as the new era of the internet. New applications based on augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) will stretch the existing network capacity to a new scale. In order to provide capacity for this new foreseen demand, the optical transport networks will continue playing a critical role. While coherent transmission is reaching the limits of the Shannon’s law, new paradigms (multi-band, SDM) seek for a more efficient use of the optical spectrum to increase the return of investment of network operator’s existing fibre deployments. The Telcom Infra Project is continue releasing new open a disaggregated products to keep the industry healthy and competitive adopting cutting edge technologies to keep the pace of the infinite need of capacity of the metaverse era.
  Biography: Arturo Mayoral is Technical Program Manager for the Telecom Infra Project Foundation driving several project groups within the Open Optical and Packet Transport project in TIP. He received a Ph.D. degree in telecommunications engineering with his thesis Integrated IT and SDN Orchestration of multi-domain multi-layer transport networks, from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), while it was at the Centre Tecnologic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC) as optical researcher till 2017. Then, he starts at Wipro Ltd as Technology Expert in Optical networking and SDN and later in 2019, became full employee of Telefonica GCTIO. In 2021 joined Meta Connectivity as Technical Program Manager for the Telecom Infra Project.

  Speaker 9: Ramon Casellas, CTTC, Spain
  Title: Control Plane Challenges for Optical Multiband Networks
  Abstract: This talk addresses initial challenges and design considerations for the SDN based control of multi-band optical transport networks (with focus on the photonic media layers and enabling transmission within S, E, and O bands, in addition to commercially available C+L), along with its integration in overarching control and orchestration systems. We highlight the increasing need to account for physical layer abstractions and impairment modelling and the opportunities for optical network automation thanks to increasingly pervasive telemetry and the use of AI/ML assisted network operation. We present initial control architectures - developed in the scope of the B5G-OPEN project -  and related preliminary standardization activities within ONF TAPI.
  Biography: Ramon Casellas (SM’12) graduated in 1999 from UPC, Barcelona and ENST, Paris, where he completed a PhD degree and worked as an Associate Professor. He is currently a Senior Researcher in the CTTC PONS Research Unit,  and his research interest areas include Traffic Engineering; Control and Management of Optical Transport Networks (GMPLS/PCE, SDN and NFV). He has been involved in over 20 R&D projects and has co-authored 5 book chapters, over 200 journal and conference papers and 7 IETF RFCs. He has been TPC member of major conferences such as OFC, ECOC, or ONDM and has served as Associate Editor for the IEEE/OSA Journal of Optical Communications and Networking. He is an IEEE Senior Member, an Optica/OSA member, an ONF contributor and member of the ONF ODTN and OTCC.