Programmable Reconfigurable Optical Transport for Efficiently offering Unconstrained Services in 6G

PROTEUS-6G focuses on the development of advanced packet-optical x-haul networking infrastructure, relying on novel software-programmable photonic-integrated-circuit based subsystems operated under an intelligent software management system, capable of simplifying and optimizing network operations and supporting future ultra-high capacity, low-latency and energy-efficient 6G cellular and cell-free MIMO radio access networks.The targeted innovations will enable efficient utilisation of packet and optical resources (spectral subcarriers and spatial lanes), realizing the vision of flexible functional splits (FFSs), adapting the fronthaul, under dynamically customizable operational conditions, to the network demands, for varying distribution of users, traffic demands and use-cases.To implement the 6G optical-enabled radio-access network, the consortium will develop ultra-low energy (low-pJ/bit), ultra-high capacity (0.8 Tb/s) and fast-reconfigurable (sub-ms) software-programmable solutions (i.e. transceivers, multiplexers and fast optical switches integrating tuneable lasers/filters) based on novel photonic processing/switching schemes, to be reconfigured by an intelligent control plane optimizing the utilization of resources across the front-/mid-/back-haul continuum and reducing unnecessary opto-electronic transitions, thus collectively improving performance while minimizing the environmental impact.The PROTEUS-6G consortium covers the entire value-chain of industry/academia organizations focusing on implementing wireless-optical connectivity solutions.

The participating experts possess demonstrated expertise re delivering on their promises as indicated by their research track record and exploitation activities towards commercialization of new products and contributions to standards.

Their collective development of the targeted innovations is going to reenforce the European leadership in 6G networks thus paving the way for prosperity of Europe’s economy and society.