Physical Layer Aware Networking

The PLANET group focuses on the design, modeling, and experimental validation of next-generation optical and quantum networks, with a strong emphasis on physical-layer awareness, openness, and real-world impact. The group is composed of 4 staff members and approximately 15 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers, fostering a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment.

A core activity of the group is WDM optical transport modeling and simulation, spanning accurate physical-layer techniques such as Split-Step Fourier Method (SSFM), perturbative approaches, and AI-aided modeling. These methods enable scalable and realistic performance evaluation of modern optical systems, including multi-band optical networking across extended spectral regions.

PLANET actively contributes to and develops open-source solutions for optical network modeling, notably through tools such as GNPy within the Telecom Infra Project (TIP). Building on this, the group advances the concept of the Optical Network Digital Twin (ONDT)—a real-time, physics-aware replica of the network—developed in collaboration with international initiatives such as TIP and the IOWN Global Forum (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network Global Forum). The ONDT supports network planning, operation, and optimization through continuous synchronization with field data.

The group also pioneers open optical control frameworks, based on open protocols and APIs, enabling flexible and vendor-neutral network management. An in-house multilayer control system, offered as ONDT-as-a-service, integrates planning, control, and telemetry to support automation and intelligent orchestration.

A distinctive research direction is Photonic Integrated Sensing and Communication (P-ISAC), where optical networks are leveraged as distributed sensing platforms. By exploiting WDM transmissions and the telemetry plane in terrestrial infrastructures, PLANET develops solutions for applications such as earthquake early warning, infrastructure monitoring, and detection of anthropic activities. These capabilities are coupled with AI-driven ONDT analytics for proactive failure prediction and network restoration.

Experimental validation is carried out in the Open PLANET Lab, a three-node optical network testbed featuring in-house open control, a full telemetry plane, and connectivity to production networks, enabling realistic experimentation and technology transfer.

In parallel, PLANET explores the emerging field of quantum networking, addressing the coexistence and integration of quantum and classical systems. Research includes quantum–classical coexistence in optical fibers, focusing on crosstalk, interference, and device-induced noise. The group investigates quantum interconnects and scalable network architectures for distributed quantum computing, incorporating quantum memories, qubit platforms, and matter–photon interfaces.

Further activities include the design of quantum networking protocols, such as entanglement distribution, routing, and resource management, accounting for synchronization and coherence constraints. To support this, PLANET develops advanced simulation frameworks for quantum networks, capturing both physical-layer effects and network-level dynamics under realistic conditions.

Overall, PLANET combines theoretical modeling, open software, experimental platforms, and cross-disciplinary innovation to advance intelligent, open, and future-proof optical and quantum networks.