Empowering Hitless Spectral Defragmentation in Elastic Optical Networks with Spatial Multiplexing

This paper evaluates Spatial Division Multiplexing in Elastic Optical Network (SDM-EON) defragmentation scenarios and applies a combined push-pull and fast-switching defragmentation technique that does not disrupt network circuits. A performance analysis is made by means of simulation. The results show that the proposed mechanism allows to perform spectrum defragmentation without circuit interruption, maintaining a low blocking rate without compromising the use of network resources.