Benefits and requirements of flexible-grid ROADMs and networks [invited]

Author

Woodward, Sheryl L. ; Feuer, Mark D.

Author_Institution

AT&T Labs.-Res., Middletown, NJ, USA

Volume

5

Issue

10

fYear

2013

fDate

Oct. 2013

Abstract

Due to claims of enhanced spectral efficiency and the ability to accommodate future modulation formats, flexible-grid networks in which the center wavelength and passband width of the optical channels can be set on the fly have attracted wide attention. A flexible-grid reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer (ROADM) requires more than a flexible-grid wavelength-selective switch, and a flexible-grid network requires far more than flexible-grid ROADMs. We discuss the technologies required to enable flexible-grid networks. We examine the potential benefits of using flexible-grid ROADMs and compare this approach with alternative strategies.

Keywords

multiplexing equipment; optical fibre networks; optical modulation; optical switches; switching networks; enhanced spectral efficiency; flexible-grid ROADM network; flexible-grid wavelength-selective switch; modulation format; optical channel; reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer; Bandwidth; Modulation; Optical add-drop multiplexers; Optical fiber networks; Optical fibers; Ports (Computers); Flexible grid; Networks; Optics and optical communications; ROADMs;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Optical Communications and Networking, IEEE/OSA Journal of

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1943-0620

Type

jour

DOI

10.1364/JOCN.5.000A19

Filename

6645096