The University of Patras, based in Rio, Greece, is recognized for its leadership in science, engineering, and advanced research. The Optical Communications Systems & Networks (OCSN) Lab, at the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of University of Patras, specializes in pioneering research and development in modern optical communication systems and networks.

Conducting advanced research related with most aspects of modern optical communications systems and networks

The OCSN Lab addresses the full spectrum of network segments: from short-reach applications such as intra-datacenter interconnects, 5G/6G fronthaul and Fiber to the Home, up to backbone ultra-high capacity, long-reach networks essential for modern Internet infrastructure. Its research activities span the full spectrum of cutting-edge optical communications and networking technologies. The lab has developed a renowned international track record in several pioneering domains: Optical Networks / Optical Interconnects for Data Centers / Integrated Photonics Systems/Subsystems.

Help Shape the Future of Optical Networking in the 6G Era!

Apart from SENSEI, the OCSN Lab of the University of Patras actively leads or participates in several projects, highlighting its central role in shaping the future of high-capacity, energy-efficient, and programmable optical networks, in close collaboration with leading academic, industrial, and standardization partners across Europe:

• FLEX-SCALE, a EU-funded project that aims to revolutionize optical x-haul network technologies needed for the 6G era,
• PROTEUS-6G, which aims to develop advanced packet-optical x-haul infrastructures for future 6G wireless-optical networks.

The team recently showcased these cutting-edge 6G research at the occasion of the prestigious EuCNC & 6G Summit 2025: https://ocsn.gr/showcasing-cutting-edge-6g-research-at-eucnc-6g-summit-2025/

The team of the OCSN Lab is also an academic member of the Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) Global Forum, a world-leading initiative committed to driving the development of next-generation communication infrastructure based on cutting-edge optical and wireless technologies. It brings together industry pioneers, academic researchers, and technology leaders with the shared goal of creating a smarter, more sustainable, and connected future. Learn more: https://ocsn.gr/ocsn-lab-joins-the-iown-global-forum-as-academic-member/ 

OCSN Lab’s Role in SENSEI: Making Fiber Networks Self-Aware!

Over the three years of SENSEI, the team of the OCSN Lab will help to embed the “alien” photonic devices used as sensing channels and enhance streaming-telemetry functions into software-defined network control so the network can monitor its own Quality-of-Transmission in real time. The team will also develop AI-enabled analytics and a digital-twin to optimise energy use and trigger self-healing actions and validate the approach in field trials.

Contact (OCSN Lab leader): Prof. Ioannis Tomkos, Fellow IEEE, OPTICA, IET

…more to come: stay tuned!