The ECO-eNET project team demonstrated a strong presence at the European Conference on Networks and Communications (EUCNC) 2025. Their research was showcased through a compelling live demonstration, and their expertise significantly contributed to important workshops shaping the future of 6G networks.
Reshaping Security with Distributed Fiber Sensing
One of the highlights of ECO-eNET’s participation was a dynamic live demonstration illustrating the advanced security applications of distributed fiber sensing within confluent optical networks. Utilizing a cutting-edge Phase OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry) based fiber sensing device, the team unveiled real-time intrusion detection and sophisticated sound recognition capabilities.
The innovative setup featured optical fiber strategically deployed around their booth. This allowed for immediate detection of subtle movements, such as walking, while a speaker played various sounds and songs that were precisely identified by the sensing system. Visitors were fascinated by the real-time Phase OTDR data displayed on a screen, offering a tangible glimpse into how fiber sensing can dramatically enhance security monitoring in future optical network infrastructures.
Jasper Müller, a leading researcher from Adtran, spearheaded this impactful demonstration. He underlined the technology’s profound potential to contribute to the creation of safer, more resilient communication networks.
Spearheading Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) Advancements
Beyond the demonstration, the ECO-eNET team played a key role in the “ISAC Workshop – Integrated Sensing and Communications initiative on the European research framework,” held on June 3rd, 2025. Integrated Sensing and Communications (ISAC) is a innovatove concept poised to reshape 6G networks by seamlessly combining communication and environmental sensing, thereby significantly improving system efficiency, precision, and adaptability.
Paolo Monti from Chalmers University of Technology, made a significant contribution to Panel 2 on “System Level Improvements.” His insights provided valuable direction for advancing ISAC technologies. This crucial workshop, organized under the Horizon Europe Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), served as a vital forum for leading European research projects. It facilitated rich discussions on progress, challenges, and collaborative opportunities within the rapidly expanding ISAC landscape.
The workshop also underscored the critical importance of ongoing standardization efforts, including the ISAC Industry Specification Group (ISG) at ETSI and contributions from 3GPP, firmly establishing ISAC as a cornerstone of future network architectures.
Driving Optics and Photonics Innovations for Next-Generation Networks
The ECO-eNET team’s contributions extended to the “Optics and Photonics Innovations Workshop,” which spotlighted Europe’s pioneering innovations in next-generation information and communications infrastructure. This workshop critically examined how advanced optics and photonics technologies are enabling high capacity, ultra-low latency, and significantly reduced power consumption.
Paolo Monti, representing ECO-eNET, delivered an insightful presentation on “Efficient Confluent Edge Networks.” He illustrated how integrated optical and radio network technologies can be optimally designed for improved energy efficiency and performance, directly addressing the rigorous demands of forthcoming 6G infrastructures.
ECO-eNET’s prominent and active involvement in both the live demonstrations and influential workshops at EUCNC 2025 highlight its leadership in developing integrated optical and radio transport technologies for the secure, efficient, and sustainable 6G networks of tomorrow.