Challenges for Long-haul and Ultra-long-haul Dynamic Networks

Publisher Summary Service providers, who deploy and operate networks, have the final say in the field deployment of new technology for the next-generation high-capacity transmission systems. They not only determine the practical feasibility of novel architecture concepts, but also set the specifications for the optical components to deliver the desirable system performance. As the optical networks transition toward mesh architecture with a higher degree (>3) of connectivity and rapid provisioning and restoration capability and the introduction of channel rates of 100 Gb/s and greater, the requirements of higher degree nodes with colorless, contentionless, and gridless features are being considered and defined. The challenge for the network equipment vendors lies in the identification and implementation of key optical component technologies in order to meet the current and future needs of the service providers. This chapter deals with a history of the dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) system capacity and network evolution. It provides a review of the current status of optical mesh backbone network from point of view of a North American network operator. It discusses the requirements for the optical amplifiers in the present-day reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs)-based mesh networks. It also discusses the characteristics of static and dynamic amplifiers. It emphasizes on the requirements for fully dynamic future mesh networks with the possibilities ranging from precabling provisioning to full photonic restoration.