27th VDE ITG Conference on Photonic Networks (PN 2026)

The conference on photonic networks addresses all aspects of modern optical communications systems. It shall provide the opportunity for experts to exchange ideas and present works in all these interconnected disciplines. We welcome you to Stuttgart for two exciting and inspiring days!

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Georg Rademacher
Conference chair

Topics

We accept contributions covering the following topics: 
• WDM/SDM and high-speed optical transmission 
• Components and (sub) systems for optical networks 
• Robust and spectrally efficient modulation and coding 
• 400G+ Carrier-grade Ethernet 
• Node architectures and technologies 
• Optical communication systems for data centers, metro and access networks 
• Optical fixed-wireless access systems 
• High-speed and coherent passive optical networks
• Optical solutions for 5G/6G 
• Optical satellite and HAP-based communication 
• Free-space optical communications
• Planning and layout of optical networks 
• Network control and protection mechanisms 
• Reliability and security/privacy 
• Software-defined networking and network-function virtualization 
• Multi-layer analysis and IP over WDM 
• Cost assessment, energy efficiency and migration scenarios 
• Optical environmental monitoring 
• Quantum key distribution

Contributions will be either accepted as oral or poster presentations, submitting authors can indicate a preference for either. Keynote as well as invited presentations will complement the program.

Contributions are expected to include a title, list of authors, up to 300-word abstract and one or two figures. A template will be provided on the conference website. 

Pre-conference early career networking event
We coordinately invite early career researchers (students, post-docs, people identifying themselves as “young”) to a networking reception on the evening of the 18th of May 2026. We asked attendees to indicate their interest in this event upon registration.

Conference dinner
We invite you to attend the conference dinner in the evening of the first conference day. The dinner will be give you ample opportunity for networking and to discuss you latest research with the experts in the field. Time and location will be announced during the conference. Further information can be obtained from the local organization committee.

Exhibition/poster presentation
There is a dedicated exhibition space for posters during the conference. There are also possibilities for show tables or product demonstrations, please contact the VDE conference organization for details.
A list of attendees, contact information and company logos will be published together with the online proceedings.