As the fifth generation (5G) mobile networks come into reality, the stage is being set to welcome Beyond 5G and 6G future. The next big thing in mobile networks promises improved optical networks. In this context, the EU-funded ALLEGRO project will develop a revolutionary novel optical network solution, which can reach drastically higher transmission capacities while maintaining much lower power usage costs and remaining safe for data exchanges. Specifically, it will use loss-less energy-efficient transparent photonic integrated optical switches, an array of data safety improvements, and innovative transceivers while utilising multi-band and multi-fibre technologies and an AI-assisted management and control system for improved operation.

ALLEGRO (Agile uLtra Low EnerGy secuRe netwOrks) aims at designing and validating a novel end-to-end sliceable, reliable, and secure architecture for next-generation optical networks, achieving high transmission/switching capacity -- with 10 Tb/s for optoelectronic devices and 1 Pbt/s for optical fiber systems --; low power consumption/cost -- with > 25% savings -- and secure infrastructures and data transfers. The architecture relies on key enabling innovations: i) smart, coherent transceivers exploiting multi-band & multi-fiber technologies for P2P and P2MP applications, based on e.g. high-speed plasmonic modulators/photodetectors and programmable silicon photonic integrated waveguide meshes; ii) loss-less, energy-efficient transparent photonic integrated optical switches, eliminating OEO conversions, e.g. with on-chip amplification in the O-band for datacom applications; iii) a consistent approach to security, in terms of functional/protocol architectures and communications, further improving QKD systems, enabling optical channel co-existence and researching on quantum-resistant (post-quantum) cryptography, developing systems based on physically unclonable functions; and iv) a scalable AI/ML assisted control and orchestration system, responsible for autonomous networking, dynamic and constrained service provisioning, function placement and resource allocation, leveraging devices increasing programmability and overall network softwarization.

To achieve the target objectives and KPIs, ALLEGRO has defined a clear methodology ending in ambitious demonstrators. The consortium includes a good balance of industry and research/academia with know-how in complementary fields. The results of ALLEGRO will be disseminated in leading conferences, events, and high-impact journals. They will have a concrete and measurable economic and social impact, contributing towards achieving key European objectives, reinforcing European leadership and digital sovereignty in the ongoing digital and green transition.