F6G Defining the foundation of the next optical network generation

18 November 2025, Marcus Brunner, Vice-Chair of ETSI ISG F5G

picture blog f5g f6g foundation next generation optical network generation

Figure: F6G energy efficiency is like Pandas: They only work when needed.

The following views have been presented:

  • Prof. Roberto Gaudino, Politecnico di Torino: “Disruptive New Architectures Enabled by Coherent Transmission Merging Optical Access and Metro Networks”
  • Dr. Raul Muñoz, CTTC: “Next-Generation Optical Networks for the AI Era: Enabling Intelligence and Sustainability”
  • Prof. Wei Wang, BUPT: “F6G: Next Generation Fixed Networks Based on Space-Ground Integrated Optical Networking”
  • Dr. Olivier Ferveur, POST Luxembourg: “F6G: The Panda Paradigm – Energy Efficiency in the Next Generation of Fiber”
  • Mr. Yuyang Liu, China Telecom Research Institute: “High-Performance Optical Interconnect for AI Computing Centers”
  • Mr. Yue Sun, China Unicom: “Exploration of Broadband Network Evolution in F6G”
  • Dr. Ning Wang, China Mobile Research Institute: “Consideration on PON and FTTR Technologies for Next Generation Broadband Networks”
  • Mr. Philippe Chanclou, Orange: “Orange View on F6G”

In summary the following aspects have been mention without completeness:

  • Discussion of Coherent PON with benefits and challenges and the opportunity for better integrating access and metro networks.
  • F6G as backhaul of 6G mobile networks and influence of changing traffic models due to more AI-based applications and services.
  • Addition of optical space to ground networking and a variety of novel applications.
  • Improved energy and carbon efficiency for F6G and provide load-adaptive networks.
  • New optical technologies (e.g., CPO, all-optical networking) drive future networking and novel approach for F6G.
  • The F6G network should be a unified system with different resources including communication, processing, and storage being available.
  • From a technology perspective, it seems 200Gbps access is preferable, it should include P2MP and P2P technologies, quadruple technology coexistence should be available, and all-optical DC networking is suitable.
  • Operation of F6G should be simplified and automated with security a primary objective for the development of the technology.
  • In general, it has been mentioned that various F6G research activities are on their way in European Research projects or in a Chinese Whitepaper of F6G.
  • It has been mentioned that ETSI ISG F5G should cooperate on the F6G definition with similar activities in other organizations like the ION-2030 activity in ITU-T SG15 .

Find the presentation of the F6G Workshop at the ETSI ISG Open Area.

The F6G workshop Website.