29th International Conference on
Optical Network Design and Modelling
ONDM 2025

Organizers: Yvan Pointurier (Huawei), Raul Muñoz (Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya)

Traditionally, Datacenter networks (DCN) used for interconnection within core DCs are natively point-to-point with little optical switching, while optical transport networks have traditionally been implemented with ROADM-based optical switching.

This paradigm has evolved recently due to:

• The need to deploy massively distributed edge DCs integrated into optical metro networks.
• The introduction of optical circuit switching (OCS), particularly fiber switching, within datacenters by Google and other major OTTs.
• The emergence of coherent pluggables in transport networks, affecting the traditional transparency of ROADM-based systems.

This workshop will explore the implications of these changes and discuss key questions, such as:

• Are optical circuit switching solutions viable for all datacenter operators, or just a select few?
• Will datacenter operators abandon ROADM benefits for more opaque networks?
• How will massively distributed edge DCs influence traditional DCN designs?
• Can transport networks be used for DCN, or are the requirements too different, necessitating dedicated DCN deployments?

Organizers: Stella Civelli (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche), Chigo Okonkwo (Eindhoven University Of Technology)

Physical layer security has recently attracted significant interest as a means to enhance the security of optical networks and safeguard data transmission. In this workshop, we will explore various advanced physical layer security techniques applied to optical communications, aiming to analyze emerging opportunities and challenges in this rapidly evolving field.

Throughout the workshop, we will delve into cutting-edge approaches, highlight current challenges, and explore future directions in this discipline. Through contributions from experts in both academia and industry, we will discuss innovative solutions such as quantum key distribution, steganography, and physical unclonable functions. Participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how these technologies can enhance the robustness and confidentiality of communications.

Speakers

Organizers: Helmut Grießer (Adva Network Security), Rasheed Hussain (University of Bristol), Christoph Lipps (German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence)

The deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods in network automation is leading to a complex interplay of opportunities and challenges. Keeping this context in mind, the workshop will critically reflect on the dual nature of AI in network security, focusing on reactive and proactive intelligent security mechanisms, threat intelligence, and the integration of AI in enhancing network defense strategies.

The key topics include advanced intrusion detection systems, comprehensive security assessments, and the innovative application of Generative AI (GenAI) in network security. Alongside the focus on security and the principles of Trusted AI and Trustworthy AI, the workshop will also address the environmental impact of AI methods and the paradigms of sustainability and energy efficiency of AI-driven network automation.

By involving and integrating current research, this workshop aims to provide a differentiated perspective on whether AI in the context of network automation is a boon or a bane. Thereby, this workshop is targeted at researchers and practitioners who want to contribute to understanding the diverse impacts of AI on network security and to developing robust, secure, and sustainable AI-driven network infrastructures.

Organizers: Aleksandra Kaszubowska-Anandarajah (Trinity College Dublin), Steiner Bjørnstad (Tampnet)

The global footprint of optical communication systems has the potential to serve as a ubiquitous platform for both scientific and commercial sensing applications. It covers both indoor and outdoor built environments as well as cross-country and subsea terrain. Submarine optical systems have already attracted much attention using fibre sensing as a geoscience instrument and as an early warning system for tsunamis and seismic events. While a range of optical monitors, such as power and channel monitors, are used to control and manage today's optical systems, new sensing capabilities have the potential to open up 'situational awareness' in optical systems. Sensing data on the fibre plant and signal parameters promise to improve the reliability and optimization of the communication systems themselves. Detection of physical activity around cables including digging or anchor drags, might prevent breaks and increase availability and management of cable infrastructure. In addition to technical challenges of integrating sensors, sensing signals and sensing capabilities into the physical communication technologies, new control and management functionality may be needed in order to take full advantage of optical sensing.

The IEEE International Network Generations Roadmap (INGR) strives to identify these challenges and trends and help to chart out the research and development that will shape networks for the next decade and beyond. In this workshop panellists will discuss the potential for integrating optical sensing in communication systems and its new roadmap in the latest edition (2024) of the optics chapter in the INGR. They will also take a critical lens to key elements and trends in the roadmap. From this perspective, together with the audience, the panellists will explore the future of optical sensing in communication systems and strive to answer the following questions:

• Which sensing technologies are most promising for different applications and time frames?
• What are the 'game changing' opportunities from integrating sensing into communication systems? Where will the greatest impact be?
• What research needs to be done in order to set the stage for widespread use of optical sensing in communication systems?
• Is there a flipping point technology, capability or cost point for optical sensing that will likely drive widespread adoption?
• How can sensing be used to enhance security and resilience of fibre infrastructure including submarine cables?
• What sensing should use separate fibres, share the same fibre, or share the same signals with communications?
• How might optical sensing change how we control and manage optical communication systems: submarine, metro/long haul and access/indoor?
• What about sensing in the home, businesses, or on the street? Is there potential in these areas and how so?

This workshop is jointly organized by the IEEE INGR Optics Working Group and the Intent and Context-aware Optical Network (ICON) project funded by the European Commission (project 101189703).

Organizers: Alessio Giorgetti (University of Pisa), Giada Landi (Nextworks)

Jointly organized by projects: ALLEGRO, OCTAPUS

The "European Research Directions on Programmable Optical Networks" workshop will be collocated with ONDM 2025 and will focus on advancements in control and orchestration of optical networks. As optical networks evolve towards increased programmability, automation, and intelligence, novel approaches are needed to enable flexible, efficient, and scalable network operations. Leveraging software-defined techniques and reconfigurable optical components, the autonomous optimization of optical networks will deliver performance that meets the growing demand for high-bandwidth services in fixed and mobile scenarios.

This workshop will bring together leading researchers and industry experts to discuss the latest research directions, challenges, and technological breakthroughs in programmable optical networking, presenting results and hands-on experiences from several European research projects.

This workshop will explore cutting-edge research and innovations, with a focus on the European research landscape, in:

• Software-defined control and orchestration of optical networks
• AI/ML-driven automation and optimization
• Disaggregated optical networking and open interfaces
• Real-time telemetry, monitoring, and digital twin applications
• Optical network virtualization, slicing, service chaining, and multi-tenancy
• Optical transport network management for 5G and beyond
• Energy-efficient optical network management and sustainability
• Multi-layer and multi-domain orchestration for next-gen networks
• Edge computing and its interaction with optical networking
• Integration of optical transport and access networks
• Security and resilience in programmable optical infrastructures
• Role of European research collaborations in steering the future of optical networks

By bringing together experts from academia and industry, this workshop aims to foster discussions on the latest trends and challenges shaping the future of programmable optical networks in Europe.

Speakers

Organizers: Anjali Sharma, Carmen Mas Machuca (UniBW, Germany)

Women in Optical Networks are leading some of the most cutting-edge research and innovations worldwide. This workshop highlights the remarkable experiences, achievements, and pioneering ideas of our distinguished female speakers. Through insightful presentations and an engaging panel discussion, attendees will gain a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of optical networks.

Our speakers will share insights from their scientific journeys and their vision for the next generation of female engineers and scientists. The session aims to provide an inclusive platform for discussions, lessons on leadership in the workplace, and strategies for promoting equity in the field.

Key takeaways from this workshop:

• Empowering and inspiring the next generation of women in optical networks
• Insights from leading female researchers and professionals
• Panel discussion on leadership, inclusion, and career growth
• Networking opportunities with industry experts and academics

This event is open to all ONDM attendees, fostering an inclusive environment for meaningful discussions and knowledge exchange.

Sponsorship:

IEEE Germany Section & IEEE WIE (Women in Engineering)

Speakers

Organizers: Piero Castoldi (Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna), Tolga Tekin (Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration)

Jointly organized by projects: ALLEGRO, RESTART (S4-RIGOLETTO) project

The workshop aims to explore emerging technologies and innovations driving the evolution of optical communications. With the ever-growing demand for high-speed, high-capacity, and energy-efficient networks, advancements in optical devices and systems are crucial to meeting future connectivity needs.

The event brings together researchers, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the latest developments in photonic devices, transmission systems, and enabling technologies for next-generation optical networks. Topics include novel materials, advanced optical transceivers, integrated photonics, optical amplifiers, space-division multiplexing (SDM), and photonics for radio.

By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, this workshop will outline some research directions and technological roadmaps that will shape the future of optical communication infrastructure.

Some Key Questions to Be Answered:

• What role do novel materials play in next-generation optical devices?
• How can integrated photonics enhance optical network performance?
• What are the latest advancements in optical transceivers and modulators?
• How can space-division multiplexing (SDM) improve network scalability?
• What are the challenges in designing ultra-high-capacity optical transport systems?
• How do coherent optics and optical amplifiers contribute to network efficiency?
• How can optical networks reduce overall power consumption in telecom infrastructures?
• What role do quantum photonics play in future network security and efficiency?
• How can optical networks support the growing demands of 6G and beyond?