A Roadmap on Optical X-Haul Technologies for Next-Generation Mobile Networks

We explore some key advancements in optical X-haul technologies and present a roadmap for their successful implementation in next-generation mobile networks. To this end, we explore a few main innovations in the optical domain, including neuromorphic computing for optical signal equalization and QoT estimation, signal integrity assurance through optical signal processing, as well as space division multiplexing passive optical networks over multicore fibers. We describe how optical traffic grooming can be deployed with the help of novel multi-flow optical transponders for optimization of bandwidth utilization through intelligent data management, along with autonomous intelligent control. The advancements in control and management using telemetry streaming and machine learning for decision-making are also presented and analyzed. All the showcased innovations in X-haul technologies collectively create a road map for their critical role in addressing the high data rates, low latency, and dynamic network flexibility requirements in next-generation mobile networks, with a robust and efficient underlying optical transport infrastructure as its foundation.