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Flexible Optical Networks – Time Domain Hybrid QAM: DSP and Physical Layer Modelling

Objective

The delivery of fast Internet connections all over Europe is a primary goal of Horizon 2020. In order to avoid the upcoming capacity crunch on transport optical networks, there is an urgent need for a strong investment in the research and development of future-proof optical broadband infrastructures. The Flex-ON project will investigate new technological paradigms in terms of signal generation, digital processing and control-plane management for novel flexible and high-capacity transport optical networks. The primary technical objective of the project is to develop and implement a flexible transceiver prototype with intelligent reconfigurability and arbitrarily low bit-rate granularity. The development of this technology will enable to increase the network capacity and the spectral/energy efficiency, while providing a future-proof flexible solution for an increasingly heterogeneous global network.

The main scientific/industrial contributions of the project include:
- the optimization of signal modulation to improve spectral efficiency and bit-rate granularity;
- the development of novel DSP strategies and algorithms to enable flexible networking;
- the development of novel numerical tools for physical layer modelling under the nonlinear (NL) propagation regime;
- the optimization of NL compensation methods to improve the trade-off between spectral efficiency and signal reach.

In order to guarantee a sustainable and smooth upgrade of currently installed optical transmission systems, Flex-ON encompasses a dual-generation approach:
- 1st generation: fixed frequency grid (ITU-T: 50 GHz) and fixed symbol-rate transceivers with variable bit-rate enabled by time domain hybrid QAM techniques;
- 2nd generation: flexible frequency grid (ITU-T G.694.1: 12.5 GHz) and variable symbol-rate transceivers.

The tight collaboration with industry players ensures that the newly proposed concepts, software and prototypes will enhance the European competitiveness in the telecom sector.

Coordinator

POLITECNICO DI TORINO
Net EU contribution
€ 180 277,20
Address
CORSO DUCA DEGLI ABRUZZI 24
10129 Torino
Italy

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Region
Nord-Ovest Piemonte Torino
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
€ 180 277,20