Routing in dynamic future flexi-grid optical networks

Routing in dynamic future optical networks will depend on the underlying technology and more specifically on whether standard grid or flexi-grid technology will be used. In particular for dynamic flexi-grid networks resource allocation and routing concerns both path establishment and allocation of specific spectrum which in turn relates to the modulation format of the transmitted signals. Moreover if variable bandwidth transponders are utilized simultaneous optimization of allocated spectrum and transponder reach should be performed. In this paper we investigate the benefits of flexi-grid technology with variable bandwidth transponders regarding blocking performance and spectral efficiency when compared to the standard-grid counterpart.