ECO-eNET research was presented at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference (OFC 2026), highlighting new approaches to designing more adaptive and efficient network infrastructures for future communication systems.
The paper, “User-Mobility-Aware Optimization of Fiber Placement in Hybrid Fiber-IAB Networks,” was presented by Piotr Lechowicz (Chalmers) and explores how incorporating user behaviour into network planning can significantly improve the design of hybrid fibre-wireless systems.
As networks evolve toward 6G, hybrid architectures that combine optical fibre with Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) technologies are expected to play a central role. These systems must support high-capacity connectivity while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing user demand and mobility patterns.
This research introduces a metaheuristic optimisation approach for hybrid fiber-IAB networks, demonstrating that integrating user mobility into topology design enables more adaptive and cost-efficient backhaul architectures. By accounting for how users move and interact with the network, the proposed framework supports smarter infrastructure deployment and improved overall network performance.
The work was carried out by Piotr Lechowicz, Charitha Madapatha, Carlos Natalino, Tommy Svensson, and Paolo Monti, all from Chalmers Unoversity , reflecting a strong collaborative effort aligned with ECO-eNET’s research goals.
This contribution supports ECO-eNET’s mission to develop intelligent, scalable, and flexible edge networks that integrate optical and wireless technologies. Mobility-aware design will be a key enabler for future 6G systems, helping to ensure networks can dynamically respond to user needs while maintaining efficiency and resilience.
ECO-eNET’s participation at OFC 2026 further demonstrates its role in advancing cutting-edge research and contributing to the global development of next-generation communication networks.