Programmable modular photonic integrated switches for beyond 5G metro optical networks

An SDN reconfigurable metro-access network based on modular photonic integrated ROADM nodes with edgecomputing for beyond 5G application is demonstrated. Multi-degree switching ROADM nodes are used at the metrocore level, while access network is constituted by low-cost 2-degree ROADM nodes. Network scalability per node is met via a modular design where new modules are added in a pay-as-you grow manner to meet capacity demands. We present PIC for wavelength selective switches used in the metro-core network. Two distinct integration approaches i.e. monolithic on InP and hybrid integration of SiPh with InP are followed to enable low loss switching.