Efficient and agile optical networks

We describe how dynamic physical layer functionality or agility in optical networks can be used to improve the energy efficiency of communication networks. Using the network global expectation model approach, we derive expressions for the total mean electrical power used by an agile optical network and use these to identify the key opportunities for energy efficiency as well as challenges that must be addressed to realize efficiency benefits. Recent progress related to both the network agility speed and the network performance is discussed in the context of energy efficiency.