Integrated Fiber Sensing and Communication for Optical Networks: Principles, Solutions, and Challenges

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

This paper provides a detailed review of the principles, solutions, and challenges of the integration of optical fiber sensing systems and optical fiber communication system. The structure of the paper is clear. However, there are still some concerns:

1. Since the sensing system discussed in this work is specifically based on optical fibers, the title should explicitly reflect this.
2. In line 59-73, the technical problems and challenges of the ISAC is not clear. For example, the authors states “Further in-depth research is still needed in aspects such as signal compatibility, interference control, and data processing efficiency etc”. However, these aspects are not subsequently explained in detail. Furthermore, the manuscript lacks clear differentiation between the concepts of co-propagation, multiplexing, and integration of communication and sensing signals. Specifically, lines 62–64 mention cross-talk issues with co-propagation but leave out the discussion regarding multiplexing scenarios.
3. The authors should explain what the sensing signal is. For example, in the forward sensing, the sensing information is obtained by analyzing communication signals. In this case, does the sensing signal exist?
4. In line 312, the author states “Although optical fiber communication and optical fiber sensing systems have the inherent advantage of integration”. However, much of the discussion emphasizes that the introduction of sensing, especially in backward or bidirectional sensing configurations, imposes additional challenges and may degrade communication performance. The authors should clearly clarify: 1) the specific advantages of integrated optical fiber communication and sensing systems compared to a pure optical fiber communication system; 2) reasons why optical fibers are particularly advantageous as a sensing medium within the integrated framework.
5. The concept of “optical‑network ISAC” is not clearly defined. The authors should provide: 1) A concise and clear definition of optical‑network ISAC; 2) A description of how such a system operates at the physical and network level (e.g., signal flow, control plane interaction); 3) A clear summary of which parameters can be sensed (e.g., strain, temperature); 4) A practical discussion regarding how the optical fiber sensing function operates concurrently with active communication traffic. 5) a key figure showing the block diagram or architecture of an optical‑network ISAC system, including both communication and sensing paths and their interaction.
6. To provide a clearer comparison of existing work, in Section 3.1.1, 3.1.2, 3.2.1, 3.2.2, please add tables to summarize the recent work including the methods, sensing parameters, and the key performance of the sensing system.

 

Author Response

Please refer to the attachment for a response to the comments. Thank you very much.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. On what basis optical fibre based sensing is classified, what are the important parameters you observed for overall performance?
2. How the integrated sensing can be utilized for under water communication, which parameters and design you think provides best optimum results.
3. What are the new opportunities and major challenges of the optical network ISAC technique for practical applications in Quantum Communication?
4. Have you compared the different digital modulation techniques suitable for optimum performance in homodyne and heterodyne detections 
5.  Can you add quantum communication and quantum sensing to the proposed review work and how they contribute in enhanced performance? 

    

    

Comments on the Quality of English Language

English may be improved 

Author Response

Please refer to the attachment for a response to the revision comments. Thank you very much.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The authors have addressed my concerns. I have no additional comments.