AbstractEngineering profiles focused on next‐generation optical networks are gaining immense importance due to new emerging services and the amount of data expected in future network scenarios. In fact, not only are optical access networks leading to a major revolution in the network industry, but passive optical networks are the most widely deployed access networks worldwide today. This should be a strong incentive for universities to train their students in these innovative and recent technologies. In this vein, we propose the deployment of an optical communication laboratory with on‐site experimental sessions in which students work with commercial equipment and realistic working environments. These working environments are necessary to train professionals in the area of optical networks. However, due to the high cost of the optical communications equipment, it is not possible to have a working place for each group and we combine these experimental sessions with some simulation sessions to complete the training. We present the design of this lab and a qualitative and quantitative study aimed at analyzing students’ experiences, the skills they have acquired, and the potential impact on their future careers. This study shows that students have a very positive perception of the lab, emphasizing that working with real equipment helps them improve technical skills and assimilate theoretical knowledge. They also point out they would like a higher number of subjects in their degrees to employ this type of lab. Finally, students perceive these sessions as very useful for their professional future.