The Smart Networks for Everything (SmartNets4E) project, integrated into the ESFRI SLICES-RI infrastructure, is the logical advancement of the original SN4I infrastructure. This project is the deployment of a research and experimentation environment for the transfer of knowledge between the academic, industrial, and social sectors. In this context, an infrastructure is proposed that provides research resources for 5G/6G while also providing innovative services to various verticals, such as advanced manufacturing (through the current Zamudio node), health, education, transportation, and mobility (through the Bilbao Engineering School node).

SmartNets4E aims to become the leading test platform and talent aggregator in northern Spain. It proposes to offer access to a broad range of technologies, including 5G mobile networks and, in the medium term, Beyond 5G in all three frequency bands. Simulators will be offered for both UEs and 5G Cores to facilitate basic research, design, and evaluation of both the basic elements of the 5G architecture and new services based on 5G/6G networks. SmartNets4E represents a technological leap compared to its predecessor due to the integration of new technological resources indubitably linked to the evolution of 6G mobile networks, such as communication synchronization systems based on TSN and their transport over URLLC for critical and real-time applications, the development of ultra-secure architectures based on the use of QKD and quantum communications, and the availability of application offloading and network information processing at line speed (100-400 Gb/s), through the use of programmable data planes based on P4.

The Smart Quantum Technologies for Everything (SmartQuanT4E) experimentation infrastructure is the quantum component within the general SmartNets4E infrastructure. SmartQuanT4E integrates the equipment and links required for experimentation with quantum communication technologies, thereby forming the quantum foundation of the SmartNets4E ecosystem. Like SmartNets4E, this infrastructure is distributed across three UPV/EHU locations separated by approximately 20–25 km: the Bilbao School of Engineering (EIB), the Aeronautics Advanced Manufacturing Center (CFAA), and the main campus in Leioa.

On top of this quantum infrastructure, Ciena DWDM devices are also deployed, enabling the transmission of 100 Gbps data traffic encrypted using keys generated by QKD. These DWDM systems incorporate standardized API interfaces for integration with QKD systems, thus facilitating interoperability between the quantum plane and the classical network plane. The infrastructure is completed with quantum optical switches that enable dynamic management of quantum links via SDN, as well as high-sensitivity external detectors and quantum random number generators (QRNG), which are essential to ensure the quality and randomness of the keys used in cryptographic processes.

Therefore, SmartQuanT4E provides an ideal environment for experimentation, validation, and demonstration of quantum technologies and their integration with classical networks, positioning it as a reference infrastructure for the development of secure quantum communications and the future Bizkaia QCI network.