Spatial-Spectral Flexible Optical Networking: Solutions for ... - CORDIS

INSPACE

FP7 ICT Objective 1.1 Future Networks

Spatial-Spectral Flexible Optical Networking: Solutions for Efficient SDM At A Glance: INSPACE Spatial-Spectral Flexible Optical Networking: Enabling Solutions for a Simplified and Efficient SDM

INSPACE extends the established spectral flexibility concept to the SDM domain and significantly simplifies the super-channel allocation and control mechanisms. Main Objectives

Project Coordinator Mr. George Papastergiou OPTRONICS Technologies SA Tel: +30 2109837121 Fax:+30 21099834814 Email: [email protected] Project website: www.ict-inspace.eu Partners: OPTRONICS TECHNOLOGIES SA (EL), TELEFONICA INVESTIGACION Y DESARROLLO SA (ES), THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM (IL), ATHENS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (EL), OPTOSCRIBE LTD (UK), CENTER FOR RESEARCH AND TELECOMMUNICATION EXPERIMENTATION FOR NETWORKED COMMUNITIES (IT), ASTON UNIVERSITY (UK), FINISAR ISRAEL (IL), W-ONE SYS (ES) Duration: February, 2014 – January, 2017 Funding scheme: STREP Total Cost: € 3.616 m EC Contribution: € 2.577 m Contract Number: CNECT-ICT-619732

In an effort to identify how future networks will continue to scale in capacity, energy consumption, and economic viability current technologies are being stretched to their limits. The nascent technology of space-domain multiplexing (SDM) for high capacity transmission is the only solution with the scaling potential to meet future demands. However, there is still a large technological chasm between the transport solution and the The INSPACE SDM network implementation. approach is INSPACE proposes a novel networking enabled by the approach by extending the established development of spectral flexibility concepts to the SDM novel multidomain and significantly simplifying the dimensional super-channel allocation and control spatial-spectral mechanisms. switching nodes. The new concept utilises the benefits of the high capacity, next generation, fewmode/multi-core fibre infrastructures, providing also a practical short term solution, since it is directly applicable over the currently installed multi-fibre cable links. The realisation of INSPACE approach is enabled by the development of novel multi-dimensional spatial-spectral switching nodes, which are fabricated by extending the designs of the existing flexible WSS nodes, incorporating advanced mode/core adapting techniques. The concept is further supported by novel processing techniques that minimise the mode/core interference as well as new network planning algorithms and control plane extensions that are enhanced with the space dimension. The Consortium The INSPACE consortium forms a strong industry driven research team targeting not only the demonstration of the new network concept and its ability to meet the challenges of delivering exponentially growing content over the next twenty years, but also the full exploitation of its potential towards commercialisation. In total, four EU countries (Greece, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom) and one Associated Member State (Israel) are represented in the INSPACE consortium.

Technical Approach INSPACE introduces a logical hierarchical structure for next generation multidimensional dynamic and elastic optical networks, based on enabling switching, transmission and processing technologies that allow the connection between spectral and spatial networking. The activities of the project are divided in 7 work packages: WP1 – Project Management. WP1 is in charge of all the administrative and quality assurance issues of the project.

project results to the research community, the industrial world and the standardization bodies.

Key Issues 

To explore the additional degrees of freedom in signal multiplexing (offered by the latest advances in both multi-mode and multi-core fibre systems) emerging in a combined Spatial/Spectral/Signal coding domain:

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Design of multi-dimensional resource allocation algorithms and study the required control plane extensions

WP2 – Network level specifications and benefits. WP2 provides the network level specifications for spatial-spectral flexible optical networking and defines the targeted requirements for the transmission and node subsystems and elements according to the network characteristics that must be supported. WP3 – FMF/MCF transmission system improvements. WP3 is responsible for the design of optimized FMF/MCF links that will enable long haul and high-capacity transmission supporting the INSPACE’s network demonstration concepts. WP4 – Design and development of a spatialspectral flexible switching node. WP4 deals with the switching hardware required at the network nodes when the links utilize SDM alternatives (SMF bundle, MCF: coupled and uncoupled, FMF). WP5 – Network planning, routing and control plane extensions. The main focus of WP5 is on the development of routing and resource allocation algorithms for the planning and operation of spatial-spectral flexible optical networks and on the design and implementation of an enhanced Control Plane framework in support of such networks. WP6 – Integration and Performance Evaluation. WP6 deals with the INSPACE network elements assembly and the experimental evaluation of the spatial-spectral flexible optical networking concept by combining the data transport and SWSS-based node solutions developed in WP3, WP4 and WP5. WP7 – Dissemination, Exploitation and Standardisation. The purpose of this work package is to handle the communication of the

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Study the benefits of multidimension al signal allocation in terms of resource optimisatio n, energy consumption reductions and system cost savings 

To examine the capabilities of the technologies that enable the multidimensional networking

concept: •

Node switching hardware adapted to support SDM fiber links addressing the spatial and spectral domains

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Interfacing technology to match the SDM transmission (Mode structure/core location) by demultiplexing to SMF edge arrangements

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Interplay between transmission format, electronic MIMO processing, switching solution effects, and information capacity.

Expected Impact The INSPACE project proposes a complete spatial-spectral flexible optical networking solution, offering to the network the ultra-high capacity, flexibility and energy efficiency required to accommodate the exponential traffic growth of the next twenty years in a sustainable manner. Rather than an evolutionary approach, INSPACE follows a revolutionary path which will offer a future-proof paradigm shift in the way all-optical networks, are designed and operated. The resulting technology is anticipated to reinforce the EU vision on high throughput, low-latency infrastructures and create a wealth of opportunities for patents and contributions to standardization.

INSPACE October 2013