We propose a novel approach to mitigate the limitations of high-speed Passive Optical Networks (PONs) by introducing an all-optical processor. This solution addresses the escalating demand for higher data rates and improved performance in future access networks. The all-optical processor leverages optical signal processing to enhance system efficiency and reduce power consumption compared to traditional electrical methods. Specifically, we explore the processor’s dual functionality in performing all-optical equalization and chromatic dispersion compensation. Our research includes a comprehensive analysis of the processor’s design, operational principles, and system validation through extensive simulation studies, demonstrating significant improvements in signal quality and overall network performance. The results indicate that the all-optical processor not only relaxes the DSP and power requirements but also outperforms the more sophisticated digital counterpart methods.

The transition to 6G networks will necessitate advanced infrastructures to handle massive device integration, exponential data growth, and low latency requirements. The proposed 6G architecture will integrate diverse technologies, such as free space optical (FSO) and mmWave, into the existing fiber infrastructure. This work demonstrates a hybrid 6G X-haul solution consisting of 10 km fiber/100 m FSO/5 m mmWave that employs a software-defined network as an interface platform to improve network resilience and flexibility in 6G networks. For this purpose, real-time traffic management and dynamic link switching operate within 600 µs, interacting with the heterogeneous physical layers. This enables the system to adapt to changing conditions and failures, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted connectivity. Experimental results proved that this dynamic software-defined networking-based topology can manage high-capacity data rates of up to 60 Gbps while supporting adaptive modulation schemes below hard decision-forward error correction.

A reconfigurable, technology-agnostic X-haul optical infrastructure with active wavelength routing for converged A-RoF/D-Band, D-RoF/E-Band and SDoF streams was demonstrated. The deployed SDN-enabled AWGR-based transport topology supported real-world services including HD video and mobile traffic.

We propose an optical pre-equalizer which relaxes the need for power-hungry DSP in IM/DD applications. A reservoir computing-based approach is pursued demonstrating under FEC performance up to 6km at 50Gbaud NRZ outperforming digital FFE.

We demonstrate a novel InP equalization circuit capable of compensating bandwidth limitations and dispersion in high-speed IM/DD systems. Controlled by a blind ML-based optimizer, it outperforms digital FFE at 50 Gb/s over 10km.