A leading technical university with international recognition in communication technologies

Politecnico di Torino (PoliTo) is one of the leading technical universities in Europe and a major research institution in engineering and architecture. With over 38,000 students and a strong emphasis on technology transfer, PoliTo participates in SENSEI through its Department of Electronics and Telecommunications (DET). The Department is internationally recognized for its excellence in ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) research, specifically in optical communications, networking, and photonics, providing state-of-the-art facilities and a long-standing track record in EU-funded research projects.

Advancing physical-layer intelligence for sensing-enabled optical networks

PoliTo brings to SENSEI extensive expertise in the physical layer analysis and modeling of optical networks. The university’s research teams have deep know-how in fiber optic transmission systems, ranging from signal propagation theory to the implementation of advanced monitoring solutions. Specifically for SENSEI, PoliTo offers specialized knowledge in fiber sensing technologies and network telemetry, ensuring that environmental sensing capabilities can be effectively integrated into existing telecommunication infrastructures without compromising data transport quality.

Demonstrating real-world network-integrated sensing

PoliTo has recently demonstrated significant breakthroughs in integrated optical network sensing. A notable achievement involves the successful utilization of telecommunication fiber networks as distributed sensors to detect seismic waves and anthropogenic vibrations. The research team validated novel algorithms that extract sensing data directly from coherent optical receivers, proving the feasibility of the “Network as a Sensor” paradigm in real-world operational environments.

Example of the implementation of multi-tech sensing (polarization- and phase-based) on live optical cables for the detection of seismic and anthropic events.

From field trials to next-generation smart infrastructure monitoring

Through SENSEI, PoliTo aims to deploy and validate its sensing methodologies in large-scale field trials, moving from lab-based validations to relevant operational scenarios. The institution expects to strengthen its collaboration with key industrial and academic players to define future standards for optical sensing. Furthermore, PoliTo intends to leverage the project results to drive innovation in smart infrastructure monitoring, bridging the gap between academic research and deployable sensing services.

…more to come! Stay tuned…