The robustness of machine learning techniques across heterogeneous network domains remains an open challenge in optical networks. Models trained on data from a specific topology or operational configuration often exhibit degraded performance when deployed in unseen networks. In this work, we address this challenge by proposing a representation learning technique aimed at capturing task-relevant relationships that remain stable across domains. The proposed technique is based on a novel joint contrastive and classification learning approach in which representation learning and task optimization are performed simultaneously, allowing both objectives to shape the latent space. Experimental results on a representative use case, namely, lightpath quality of transmission estimation, demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach compared to baseline approaches, and highlight its capacity for rapid adaptation, providing excellent performance even with limited fine-tuning.
Reliable and low-latency NR-V2X communications are essential for smart mobility in dense urban environments. However, limited Road-Side Unit (RSU) density, frequent non-line-of-sight conditions, and highly dynamic vehicular topologies often prevent many Connected and Automated Ve…
Machine learning (ML) models are increasingly integrated into optical network automation frameworks to support tasks such as failure management, performance monitoring and resource allocation. In these environments, ML-driven predictions may be directly coupled with control-plane…
Reliable, low-latency uplink connectivity is a key requirement for C-V2X networks in dense urban environments, where fast channel variations and blockages often degrade direct vehicle-to-infrastructure links. Multi-hop relaying can restore coverage, but relay-link activation unde…
Federated reinforcement learning (FRL) is crucial for enabling collaborative learning across multiple agents without sharing raw data, thereby enhancing privacy and scalability in the decision-making process within dynamic vehicular environments. However, poisoning attacks pose a…
Most reinforcement learning controllers for these networks assume stationary conditions, and the few that handle change react to the external environment while leaving the network's internal state unexamined. We show that sustained non-stationarity damages this internal state dir…
Sixth-generation (6G) networks are moving toward AI-native operation, where learning modules are embedded across the radio access network (RAN), edge, and core. This transition requires learning from limited labels, heterogeneous wireless and network data, partial observations, n…