Artificial Intelligence (AI) Methods in Optical Networks: A Comprehensive Survey

TL;DR

This comprehensive survey reviews how artificial intelligence techniques are applied to enhance optical communication systems and networks, covering transmission, control, management, and future opportunities and challenges.

Contribution

It provides an extensive overview of AI applications in optical networks, highlighting recent advances and identifying future research directions.

Findings

AI improves performance monitoring and nonlinear mitigation in optical transmission.

AI-based control enhances optical network planning and operation.

The survey identifies key challenges and opportunities for AI in optical networking.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an extensive scientific discipline which enables computer systems to solve problems by emulating complex biological processes such as learning, reasoning and self-correction. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the application of AI techniques for improving performance of optical communication systems and networks. The use of AI-based techniques is first studied in applications related to optical transmission, ranging from the characterization and operation of network components to performance monitoring, mitigation of nonlinearities, and quality of transmission estimation. Then, applications related to optical network control and management are also reviewed, including topics like optical network planning and operation in both transport and access networks. Finally, the paper also presents a summary of opportunities and challenges in optical networking where AI is expected to play a key role in the near future.