Optical Transport Networks: Current Challenges and Solutions for the Future

Current backbone transport networks rely on Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM). A lightpath between routers is provided by sequences of point-to-point DWDM systems that are manually interconnected through fiber patches using Optical-Electrical-Optical (OEO) regenerators. Manual installation of regenerators and jumpers at the junction node on a traffic demand basis requires weeks to months of lead time resulting in the risk of economical loss and operational cost. Intermediate regenerators per wavelength comprise a major portion of the system cost, power consumption, and footprint.