Leveraging Digital Twins to Build Comprehensive Network Failure Databases for Predictive Machine Learning in Optical Transport Networks

The increasing complexity and capacity demands of modern optical communication networks require advanced tools for predictive maintenance and fault prevention. This study presents a systematic methodology for generating a comprehensive network failure database using Digital Twins (DTs) based on the open-source optical network simulation framework GNPy (Gaussian Noise model in Python). GNPy enables the generation of synthetic datasets to support the development of Machine Learning (ML) models for proactive fault detection and network performance optimization. By modeling a wide range of failure scenarios such as amplifier degradation, span loss variation, and component misconfigurations, GNPy enables detailed analysis of their impact on critical transmission parameters including Generalized Signal-to-Noise Ratio (GSNR), Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR), and channel power. The proposed methodology allows the generation of a diverse and scalable database that reflects both normal and degraded network operating conditions. This synthetic dataset provides valuable input for training ML algorithms to detect subtle performance degradations and predict potential failures before they impact running services. By leveraging this simulation-based data generation approach, network operators can significantly enhance the reliability and resilience of their transport networks. Furthermore, the integration of GNPy with data-driven ML models lays the foundation for intelligent network management systems capable of automated fault prediction and proactive maintenance strategies in future high-capacity optical networks.