Optical and higher layer performance monitoring in photonic networks: Progress and challenges

Optical performance monitoring (OPM) and optical network management (ONM) are essential in building a reliable and high quality of service system as the optical transmission system continues to evolve towards higher data rates, increased wavelength density and longer transmission distances. Traditional OPM primarily focused on achieving the desired functionality and prove to be insufficient for next generation networks. Thus necessity has arisen for sophisticated OPM to control complex network topologies and at the same time the cost of the OPM has to be fully justified on the basis of system's improved performance. In this paper, we first present a broad review of the OPM status and discuss their prospects and challenges ahead. Finally, the relationship of OPM to the higher layer and the role of ONM in maintaining the photonic net.works are also reviewed.