Dear Colleagues,

Emerging network-oriented applications, such as the provisioning of virtualized 5G core networks, edge computing, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), robotics, the Internet of Vehicles (IoVs), telemedicine, or smart applications with the aid of artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), produce a massive volume of data traffic that requires extremely high-speed connectivity, reliable transmissions, and low latencies.  

These requirements cannot be met without the proper support of optical networks. Currently, optical networks and systems are widely available, but the optimal and application-aware usage of their capabilities is strongly limited. For example, it is currently not possible to dynamically provision optical resources according to changing conditions and requirements.

This problem requires comprehensive and in-depth studies that cover numerous layers and aspects of end-to-end communications. The heterogeneity of applications further complicates the problem and creates a need to study a wide range of use cases and scenarios. Such a complex environment cannot be easily modeled and simulated.

We cordially invite original contributions focused on the applications and services that can take advantage of optical networks. Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Application-aware optical network design and optimization;
• Quality of experience of emerging applications offered through optical networks;
• Emerging, network-based, applications provisioned through optical networks: advantages and challenges;
• Optical network slicing;
• Softwarization and virtualization of optical networks;
• Integration between optical and mobile networks;
• Optical interconnectivity for distributed computing;
• Elastic optical networks;
• Dynamic reconfiguration of optical networks for the purpose of emerging applications;
• Monitoring of optical networks, including monitoring of transmission parameters (modulation formats, optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR), symbol rate, etc.) monitoring;
• Use of AI/ML for improving performance in optical networks;
• Proof of concept showing usage of optical networks for the purpose of emerging applications.

Prof. Dr. Piotr Boryło
Prof. Dr. Piotr Chołda
Dr. Edyta Biernacka
Guest Editors

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• application awareness
• emerging network applications
• optical network design and optimization
• quality of experience
• network softwarization
• virtualization
• dynamic resource provisioning
• proof of concept
• optical network monitoring.