Global experts envision optical networks towards 2030 for ubiquitous connectivity, intelligenceGlobal experts envision optical networks towards 2030 for ubiquitous connectivity, intelligence

ITU-T participants pose for a photo before an ITU workshop titled “Evolution of Optical Networks for IMT2030 and Beyond” in front of the Charles K. Kao Auditorium (“Golden Egg”) in Hong Kong, China, Nov. 19, 2024. [Photo/ITU]

Participants pose for a photo at an ITU workshop inside the "Golden Egg" auditorium, Hong Kong, China Nov. 20, 2024. [Photo/ITU]

As the spotlight shines on cloud data centers (DC), AI and IMT2030, it's easy to overlook optical networks. Yet, these intricate webs of fiber optic cables, spanning billions of kilometers across the globe, underpin all digital progress.

Since the ITU, the U.N. agency focused on telecommunications, first released standards for optical fiber 40 years ago, these glass cables have become a key part of global infrastructure. It's now a growing powerhouse industry, pulling in $16 billion every three months for almost four years straight.

As our hunger for data grows insatiable, fiber providers find themselves in a relentless race for upgrades. With applications demanding ever more bandwidth and the shadow of AI looming, the pressure mounts. However, the specifics of these upgrades remain anything but straightforward.

In contrast to the mobile sector, where collaboration among organizations like the ITU, 3GPP, and GSMA is the norm, the fixed network field lacks a unified approach.

The question of whether the industry should unite to define a "new generation" — one that aligns with mobile advancements like IMT2020 and IMT2030 — has been a topic of debate for some time. Last month, ITU Director Seizo Onoe offered a positive view, emphasizing that "optical fiber networks should evolve independent of the mobile generation," he also noted that "achieving new generations is a very good goal."

His comments, made on Win-Win Live, signaled support for developing an optical equivalent to IMT-2030. While discussion continues about how exactly this might work, the comment has sparked new momentum.

That enthusiasm was evident at a recent ITU workshop titled “Evolution of Optical Networks for IMT2030 and Beyond,” which was held in the Charles K. Kao Auditorium in Hong Kong on Nov. 20, 2024. More than 120 attendees participated in person, with about 100 more joining online via livestream. The workshop featured 13 presentations by global experts from ITU-T Study Group 15 (SG15), ETSI ISG F5G, universities and research institutions, followed by an interactive Q&A session. Participants began mapping out the next generation of networks, tentatively called "Optical Networks Towards 2030" or "International Optical Telecommunications 2030" (IOT2030). The location proved fitting: the auditorium honors Sir Charles K. Kao, who won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics for his pioneering work on optical fiber in telecommunications nearly 60 years ago.

While the field settles on what to call this next generation, researchers at the ITU workshop tackled the nuts and bolts of the new standards that will shape its future. The framework that emerged aligns closely with IMT2030's four key principles:

The key network requirements discussed in the presentations included:

The key technologies discussed in the workshop included:

Various researchers presented projects that illustrate how these new technical standards can be applied to real-world scenarios. Among them, Raul Muñoz, research director at the Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), showed an exciting project demonstrating that high-quality virtual reality gaming can be offered over an E2E network platform, opening new revenue possibilities for operators and engaging a wider audience beyond industry insiders.

"This proof-of-concept was shown in many different events, and it was quite successful," Munoz said. "It enables us to track the interest not only of other industries but also, in particular, from the end consumers that potentially could use this technology in the future."

Dr. Muñoz also introduced Networld Europe's Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda 2024. The European Technology Platform (ETP) includes 973 members from industry leaders, innovative SMEs and leading academic institutions. He noted that the optical KPIs for short-, medium- and long-term evolution through 2033 could inform ITU-T's optical network 2030 planning.

During the Q&A session, the workshop attendees responded positively to the idea of agreeing on a new generation of optical networks. In a survey conducted by WP2/15 Chair Paul Doolan, 98% agreed that establishing a new generation is important for 2030, while nearly 70% expressed interest in actively contributing to this initiative.

The attendees also showed strong interest in emerging optical standards, such as AI for optical networks, optical networks for AI, and beyond 1 Tbps optical transceivers and networks. Additional areas of interest included distributed fiber optic sensing and E2E-optimized service-oriented optical networks (SOON).

The final survey question asked participants what they found most appealing about being standards experts. While many selected "enjoying meaningful conversations with global experts" and "contributing to innovative solutions that improve lives globally," the top response was "traveling to experience diverse cultures and good food." The response perhaps reflects both Hong Kong's renowned cuisine and the humble, lighthearted nature of the gathered experts.

All in all, the ITU workshop revealed a growing consensus toward a unified vision of next-gen optical networks towards 2030.