The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is working on the further development of passive optical networks (PON) in the PONTROSA project to promote fiber optic expansion and explore new applications for the technology. The institute, together with project partners, will develop new electronic and optical subsystems to significantly increase the transmission capacity of future PONs. The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research with 3.8 million euros, will run for three years until September 2027.

Passive optical networks (PON) have become prevalent over active optical networks (AON) for their cost-effectiveness and simplicity. However, to meet future demands and new application areas, such as connecting data centers and distributed mobile stations, the achievable data rates need to be significantly expanded.

The project team will design, fabricate, and integrate optimized electronic and photonic integrated circuits into a complete system. The researchers will also analyze the requirements for digital signal processing and develop appropriate methods.

➀ The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) has initiated the QR.N project to develop interconnected quantum repeaters for secure end-to-end communication networks.

➁ The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and is set to run from January 2025 to December 2027.

➂ Quantum networks ensure secure data transmission through the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly quantum entanglement, making any tampering or query of quantum states immediately detectable.

The Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) is developing networked quantum repeaters for secure communication networks, part of the QR.N project. Quantum networks use quantum mechanics principles to ensure secure communication. The project aims to extend data transmission range and connect quantum computers securely. QR.N is coordinated by Saarland University and involves various research and industry partners.

Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institut (HHI) has initiated the SUSTAINET project, a €30 million research effort to develop sustainable and resilient network technologies. The project, running from January 2025 to December 2027, aims to integrate fiber optics, radio, and mobile networks to improve network availability and sustainability. It is divided into three sub-projects focusing on advanced technologies, intelligent solutions, and sustainable network architectures.