Strategies for optimizing optical networks

This paper identifies the sources of inefficiency for both transparent and opaque networks. The disparities in strategies for optimizing transparent and opaque networks are discussed. Strategies used for optimizing transparent optical networks include sub-wavelength edge grooming, optical access techniques with hub grooming, astute wavelength allocation and reuse, selective wavelength conversion and re-grooming preferably at the natural regeneration sites, use of tunable devices, multi-bitrate and multi-reach transmission in the same infrastructure, and system upgradeability from point-to-point to transparent networks