The “X-Factor” of 6G Networks: Optical Transport Empowering 6G Innovations

The sixth generation (6G) of mobile networks will radically change the way that we interact, as the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled fixed and wireless communications and networks infrastructure will offer improved performance and an unprecedented variety of applications. 6G builds upon the evolution of 5G, which already introduces various innovations in network architecture, technologies, and operation capabilities. We expect further progress across many areas, including the evolving fixed Internet Protocol/optical transport network (called x-haul) connecting the radio access network (RAN), mobile core network (CN) and Internet. It is the one on which 6G will rely upon, as it carries the aggregated traffic of all users and circulates it across the world. In this article, we address possible 6G innovations, such as the implementation of flexible functional splits and end-to-end network slicing, from the viewpoint of evolved x-haul networks that are based on novel and energy-efficient optical communications systems and network technologies.