Project description
Communication networks with integrated sensing
The demand for smarter communication networks is growing as traditional systems reach their limits. The EU-funded ICON project will address this challenge by integrating sensing into the very architecture of optical networks. The ultimate aim is to transform terrestrial and subsea fibre infrastructure into a global sensing network, capable of detecting geological disturbances, monitoring weather and ocean phenomena, and improving urban mobility. By combining fibre sensing with an intelligent control system, ICON will enhance transmission performance, optimise energy efficiency and enable the management of diverse sensing services. This innovative approach will reshape the future of communication systems, offering context-aware services that go beyond conventional signal monitoring.
Objective
The Intent and Context-aware Optical Network (ICON) project builds the research foundation for a new generation of optical networks, in which sensing is designed as an integral part of overall system architecture. ICON will enable communication networks that offer sensing services, turning the terrestrial and subsea fibre infrastructure into a global scale sensing manifold. This will pave the way for future network evolution of services offering a wide range of sensing applications in diverse areas such as geological disturbances, global weather and oceanographic phenomena, and urban mobility. The control and management of such new sensing services will be enabled by extensible and modular ICON intelligent sensing controller that include an intent interpreter and network digital twin to preserve state information. As an integral part of future communications systems, the ICON functions and sensing devices enable transmission optimization that goes beyond today’s signal monitoring. The ICON project will develop fibre sensing and controls to create context awareness of both the internal fibre system state as well as the environment encompassing it. This addition of a sensing dimension to transmission engineering in optical networks brings new tools for optimizing transmission performance and increasing availability and energy efficiency.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.2.4 - Digital, Industry and Space
MAIN PROGRAMME
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HORIZON.2.4.2 - Key Digital Technologies
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-RIA - HORIZON Research and Innovation Actions
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-CL4-2024-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
D02 CX56 Dublin
Ireland
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.