My research focuses on the future dynamic optical networks with flexible network functions and fast network reconfigurations. The envisioned programmable optical networks could deliver network services automatically in an on-demand approach. The flexible network resource can accommodate network requests by providing just-enough network hardware to maximize the utilisation of network resources. The margin-reduced dynamic optical network will be one of the key research themes for intelligent optical transport. To achieve this, two key research directions are explored.

Artificial Intelligence-driven optical networks

Based on the proposed SDN-based multi-layer monitoring framework, AI-based network analytics could offer novel network functions and leverage the intelligence of SDN networks. Various field trial experiments demonstrated the advantages of AI in optical networks.

Programmable multi-dimensional networks

Programmable optical hardware is one of the key enabling technologies for dynamic networks. This research will investigate programmable network architecture, reconfigurable node functions and programmable transmission equipment. Our developed architecture-on-demand synthesized optical nodes and bandwidth programmable optical transmitters provide a solid foundation for hardware-programmable optical networks. The research intends to bring programmability in multiple dimensions (i.e. TDM/WDM/SDM in optical networks). The flexibility of network hardware can adapt the capability, according to network states and network requirements, to contribute to the vision of intelligent optical transport.