AP Sensing is contributing its expertise in Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) technology to the Netz33 project, an initiative led by the Niedax Group to build a new nationwide fiber optic backbone network designed to strengthen Germany’s digital infrastructure.
The project aims to establish a high-performance and resilient fiber network with a redundantly interconnected architecture, enabling secure data transmission over long distances. Netz33 is designed to meet the requirements of the EU’s NIS2 Directive as well as Germany’s legislation for safeguarding critical infrastructure.
During the official launch of the initiative at the Niedax technology campus and experience center Synnoscape, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Patrick Schnieder, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport attended the event and were shown a demonstration of AP Sensing’s fiber optic sensing technology. The demonstration showcased how Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) can use fiber optic cables as continuous sensors to detect vibrations and acoustic signals along infrastructure routes. Activities such as cable theft or intrusion attempts can be identified and pinpointed along the route in real time.
These capabilities illustrate how AP Sensing’s technology can support the Netz33 project, where Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing is intended to monitor and safeguard the physical fiber infrastructure. By providing continuous visibility along the fiber routes, the technology can help detect disturbances or unauthorized activities at an early stage and support the protection of the planned critical digital infrastructure. In this way, fiber optic sensing contributes to strengthening the resilience, security and availability of Germany’s digital infrastructure.
