Impact of the reach distance of WDM systems on the cost of translucent optical transport networks

This paper studies the impact of ultra long haul WDM transmission systems on the cost of translucent (or hybrid) optical transport networks. The cost of translucent networks is evaluated as a function of the reach distance of WDM systems using the prices of commercially available network elements and it is compared with the cost of the corresponding opaque networks. The results show that a translucent network is 33-49% cheaper than the opaque counterpart and a further cost saving can be expected by extending the reach of WDM systems from 1150 km to 2500 km.