The main technical aim of the e-Photon/ONe+ is to demonstrate and spread awareness of the advantages of optical over electronic technologies in both telecom networks and customer-controlled grids. The participants to the NoE will jointly work towards a consensus on the engineering choices for the deployment of cost-effective optical technologies as the foundation for the future Internet, with the intention to provide valuable inputs to standardization bodies and guidelines to operators, as well as competitive feedback to European telecom equipment manufacturers.

Integration will be pursued primarily by establishing long-term collaborations among partners in terms of research, of infrastructures sharing, and of education and training. The NoE will provide the platform within which the main instruments to achieve these long-lasting collaborations, such as the exchange of researchers between partners, the involvement in coordinated research activities, and the development of joint teaching programs and events, will be effectively deployed.