About the Demo Zone

The Demo Zone showcases live, hands-on demonstrations of cutting-edge research projects and proof-of-concept innovations in optical communication devices, systems, and networks. Each demo takes place at a dedicated area equipped with a table, monitor, and bulletin board, creating an inviting space for small, interactive sessions. Presentations are typically delivered on demand, encouraging real-time discussions between attendees and presenters.

Demonstrations may feature a combination of on-site and remote equipment and can include recorded videos or live links to remote experiments and hardware. We strongly encourage live demonstrations of research-stage prototypes in optical communications, offering attendees a unique chance to engage in technical discussions and experience cutting-edge innovations firsthand.

Demonstrations should be based on technical achievements and prototypes at a research stage. Pre-commercial or product demonstrations are not eligible. As a guideline, the maturity of the demonstrated work should correspond to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or lower. Please refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technology_readiness_level for more information on TRL.

Demo Zone Committee

Paolo Monti, Chair (Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden)

Steinar Bjørnstad (Tampnet, Norway)

Antonio D’Errico (Ericsson Italy)

Aleksandra Kaszubowska-Anandarajah (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)

David Millar (Nokia, USA)

Raul Muñoz (CTTC, Spain)

Oskars Ozolins (Riga Technical University, Latvia)

Catherine White (British Telecom, UK)

Topic Categories

The Demo Zone welcomes submissions across a broad range of topics in optical communications, including but not restricted to:

• Automated device alignment, characterization, and measurement setups
• Transmission and switching systems across optical fiber, free-space, and microwave domains
• Optical Sensing and Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), including convergence with transmission systems and network monitoring
• High-speed interconnects and processing systems for data centers and HPC
• Optical access and converged networks with metro transport, wireless integration, and MEC
• Novel networking architectures for low-latency and time-sensitive applications
• Programmable and virtualized networks with SDN, slicing, and softwarized functions
• Autonomous control, orchestration, and telemetry-based network management
• AI/ML for network intelligence, optimization, and predictive control
• Hierarchical Packet/Optical Pluggable Control
• AI for Optics and Optics for AI
• Digital Twin for optical networks, systems, and subsystems

Quantum networking, including entanglement distribution, QKD, hybrid quantum and post-quantum solutions, and next-generation quantum protocols

Demo Proposal Submission

Adherence to the instructions for preparing demo proposals is crucial. No modifications or revisions will be accepted after the submission deadline. All demonstration proposals must be submitted through the online submission system, including a PDF description formatted according to the ECOC regular paper style guide. Proposals sent by email, fax, or post will not be accepted. Complete electronic submissions must be received before the published deadline.

Each proposal should be four pages long. The title of the demo and the primary demo presenter’s name and affiliation must appear on the first page, together with all additional authors and their affiliations. Please proofread your submission carefully before submitting.

Each proposal must include:

1. 35-word abstract;
2. A review section describing the research topic and the technologies being demonstrated;
3. A novelty section describing the novel aspects of the demonstrated solution and the problem it addresses;
4. An ECOC section explaining why the ECOC audience and community should be interested in this demo;
5. A demo implementation section clearly explaining: (i) the objectives and the configuration of the demo; (ii) how the demonstration will be physically set up, including a description of the equipment to be used; (iii) how the demo will be presented to the attendees; and (iv) how attendees will be able to interact with the demonstration. This last feature is essential to make the session engaging.

Equipment Provided for Accepted Demos

• 1 rectangular table, 2 chairs, 1 power outlet strip, bulletin board (similar to poster sessions), WLAN connectivity on a best-effort basis,

Dedicated Ethernet line (extra fee applies)

Peer Review

Demo proposals will be evaluated by the Demo Zone Subcommittee and the TPC Chairs through a competitive selection process. Assessment will focus on both the technical quality of the work and its suitability for an interactive, live demonstration environment. While not mandatory, the following guidelines will inform the review process and help strengthen a submission:

• Proposals should follow the recommended structure outlined above, with particular emphasis on sections detailing innovation, relevance to ECOC, and the implementation of the demonstration.
• A live, interactive component—either on-site or via a real-time remote link—is essential. While pre-recorded videos or supplementary media may be included, they must not serve as the primary element of the demo.
• Submissions should emphasize hands-on prototypes or proof-of-concept systems that showcase new features or applications.
• Demonstrations based on open-source tools, open platforms, or interoperable interfaces are encouraged and will be viewed favorably during the selection process.

Proposals that focus solely on presenting experimental results may be better suited to the regular technical tracks.

Publication

Accepted demo papers will be published in the ECOC 2026 proceedings.

If the on-site demonstration significantly deviates from the accepted proposal, ECOC reserves the right to decline final publication of the demo paper