Towards Efficient Confluent Edge Networks
Rishu Raj, Devika Dass, Kaida Kaeval, Sai Patri, Vincent A. J. M. Sleiffer, Benedikt Baeuerle, Wolfgang Heni, Marco Ruffini, Colm Browning, Alan Naughton, Ruth Mackey, David Anthony Mackey, Boris Vukovic, Jasmin Smajić, Juerg Leuthold, Carlos Natalino, Lena Wosinska, Tommy Svensson, Aleksandra Maria Kaszubowska-Anandarajah, Ioanna Mesogiti · 2024
We provide a vision for 6G fixed networks based on flexible and scalable high-capacity transmission technologies that form mesh edge networks to achieve ultra energy-efficient highly available networks with low latency. These networks will be controlled by AI-native orchestration across mobile, fixed, and compute domains. Mesh networking at the edge will be enabled by a seamless ‘confluence’ of radio fixed wireless (RFW), free space optical (FSO), and switched flex grid wavelength division multiplexed (Flex-WDM) transport using optical-spectrum-as-a-service (OSaaS) and integrated sensing and communication capabilities. In addition, in the frame of the European Smart Network Services Joint Undertaking, the ECO-eNET project will investigate key technologies and concepts to determine the full potential of confluent networks as a viable and scalable platform for 6G.