WSS/EDFA-based optimization strategies for software defined optical networks

Global optimization of optical network elements (NEs) is a potential solution to provide optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) requirements for high spectrally-efficient (SE) modulation formats, essential in next-generation optical networks. In this context, software defined networking (SDN) is a suitable paradigm that allows for global monitoring and NEs actuation by decoupling data and control planes. By taking that into account, we review our recently proposed SDN dual-optimization application for EDFAs and WSS-based ROADMs which targets the optimization of the OSNR. In this work we detail the implementation of the application based on a state-machine approach. The application is tested using a SDN controller in a metropolitan optical network testbed. Experimental results show OSNR improvements of up to 10 dB for different application strategies and for different number of ROADM nodes in cascade.