This course introduces the principles of Integrated Sensing and Communication in Optical Networks, showing how optical infrastructures can evolve from pure communication systems into multifunctional platforms capable of both data transmission and sensing. The course covers the fundamentals of optical networks, the main fiber-optic sensing techniques, including scattering-based, polarization-based, and interferometric approaches, and the integration of sensing functions into optical communication networks. Enabling technologies such as coherent transceivers, digital signal processing, machine learning, and software-defined networking will also be discussed. Emerging applications include infrastructure monitoring, smart cities, railway and energy networks, submarine cables, environmental and seismic event detection, and future 6G-oriented scenarios. The course is designed for PhD students and young researchers. No specific prerequisites are required, and it is also open to students without a specific background in optical communications.

No specific prerequisites; also open to students without a specific background.

1. Introduction to Integrated Sensing and Communication Motivation and fundamental concepts Evolution from communication networks to multifunctional infrastructures Differences between dedicated sensing, dedicated communication, and ISAC 2. Fundamentals of Optical Networks Optical fibers, propagation, and optical signals Architectures of access, metro, and backbone optical networks Coherent systems, WDM, and elastic optical networks Physical parameters relevant to sensing: phase, polarization, intensity, and frequency 3. Fiber-Optic Sensing Techniques Distributed and quasi-distributed sensing Techniques based on Rayleigh, Brillouin, and Raman scattering Techniques based on the state of polarization (SOP) and on polarization variations along the fiber Interferometric techniques: Mach-Zehnder, Michelson, and Sagnac interferometers, and fiber-based configurations Techniques based on phase, intensity, and coherent detection Applications to vibration, deformation, temperature, strain, and infrastructure monitoring 4. ISAC in Optical Networks Joint use of optical infrastructures for communication and sensing Coexistence of data traffic and sensing signals Trade-offs among transmission capacity, sensing accuracy, and complexity Network architecture with telemetry planes 5. Enabling Technologies Digital signal processing for communication and sensing Coherent transceivers as sensing platforms Machine learning for event classification and extraction Software-defined networks and intelligent control 6. Emerging Applications Smart cities and environmental monitoring Monitoring of critical, railway, energy, and submarine infrastructures Detection of vibrations, intrusions, seismic events, and environmental events Support for 6G and intelligent networks 7. Open Challenges and Research Perspectives Scalability and integration into existing networks Accuracy, spatial resolution, and robustness Standardization and interoperability Security, privacy, and reliability 8. Hands-on Experience on the TuriNet Network

On site

Oral presentation

P.D.2-2 - June