EXPLOR – A Novel Holistic Numerical Platform for Converged Optical-Wireless B5G Networks

5$^{th}$ Generation (5G) communication systems are expected to undergo significant advances, with optical-wireless technologies being at the forefront of system design addressing key requirements targeting high performance, versatility and cost-effectiveness. The EU-funded EXPLOR project aims to develop a comprehensive modular platform with experimentally validated state-of-the-art component and system-level numerical models, as well as cognitive and adaptive features. It is a collaborative industry-academic driven project committed to creating a scientifically and socio-economically relevant outcome, enabling further innovation beyond 5G networks. The software will include libraries with novel use cases and scenarios targeting next-generation converged optical-wireless networks, and enable the deep academic and techno-economic considerations of relevant features such as high-end mm-wave frequency, adaptive and virtualized optical front-haul, femto-cell based communications, network cognition and dynamic cloud-radio-access-network environment functionalities. EXPLOR will provide a holistic insight into the field that will act as a tool for promoting and demonstrating future innovation in the field.