SHINKA

Motivation

The demand for resilient, fiber-optic-based high-speed networks and their social relevance are continuously increasing. In particular, the operation and maintenance of these networks are becoming increasingly demanding due to the increasing complexity. Digital twins of optical network infrastructure are a powerful tool to address challenges throughout the lifecycle. Combined with artificial intelligence (AI) methods, digital twins can revolutionize the design, operation, and optimization of grids, as well as improve properties such as transmission capacity, resilience, and energy efficiency. The central challenge is to integrate the digital twins into the physical world and connect them with each other.

Project Goal

The aim of the transnational cooperation project “SHINKA” between German and Japanese partners is researching a secure platform that enables a cross-border and cross-network connection of digital twins. The aim is to create a modern ecosystem for the design, control and optimisation of high-speed networks. To this end, an architecture is being designed that maps the physical network infrastructure through various digital twins and networks it via a common management level. Interfaces ensure compatibility with various applications. Specially developed data models map the transmission paths, network nodes and characteristics of physical elements. The ecosystem is being tested across borders between Germany and Japan.

Innovation

The ecosystem for digital twins is intended to enable global collaboration between technology providers, network operators and companies. The various components can be integrated into new total solutions, creating a wide range of new business models and innovations to optimize the energy efficiency and sustainability of optical networks.

Infosim^® – Our Focus

Our focus in the project is on the development of architecture and application scenarios, where we contribute our expertise in network management and IP/optical convergence. As a provider of a manufacturer-independent software solution, topics such as generalizability and open interfaces are particularly relevant for us. Another focus is on the demo activities planned in the project, where we can take over the overall integration on the one hand and also want to take a closer look at different possibilities for the application of digital Twins in Network Management Systems including the associated LifeCycle Orchestration.

Our Partners