The recent advancements in the field of optical and wireless communication networks have shown a significant shift towards integrating intelligent and reconfigurable surfaces to enhance performance and manage complexity. The use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in optical networks has demonstrated potential in improving resource management and operational efficiency. In the realm of wireless communication, the integration of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) has opened new avenues for localization, security, and optimization of network performance. Notably, RIS-aided systems are being explored for both indoor and outdoor applications, with innovative approaches leveraging space-time coding and multi-modal large language models to optimize network parameters and enhance user experience. Additionally, the application of machine learning models, such as the Transformer, for beam alignment in millimeter wave (mmWave) communication networks is proving to be a promising direction, offering high-precision alignment without the need for extensive beam scanning. These developments collectively point towards a future where intelligent, adaptive, and low-complexity solutions are at the forefront of network management and optimization.