OSNR-Based Hardware Optimization of a Filterless Point-to-Multipoint Network Using Digital Subcarrier Multiplexing

This study investigates the feasibility of deploying digital subcarrier multiplexing (DSCM) in the metro aggregation layer of optical networks. It leverages a real-world network topology provided by Telecom Italia Mobile (TIM), along with its associated traffic patterns, to analyze optical performance, e.g., in terms of optical signal-to-noise-ratio (OSNR). The analysis results are then used to optimize the selection and quantity of optical pluggable transceivers, as well as the placement and number of optical amplifiers required within the network to meet operator-defined performance requirements. Finally, a hardware cost analysis is presented, highlighting the significant cost savings achievable through sublink aggregation in DSCM-enabled point-to-multipoint (P2MP) networks.