Cost-Efficient Capacity Scaling using Multi-Wavelength Transponders and Adaptive Modulation

Scaling the capacity of optical networks to meet increasing traffic demands while keeping costs and power usage low is crucial for network operators. Rate-adaptive multi-wavelength transponders have potential for significant saving. However, they make network planning more complex. We extend our previous network planning study for MWSs by considering an increased modulation rate adaptivity using probabilistic constellation shaping. We report results for network planning studies on a continental as well as a national optical backbone network topology, showing the potential for cost-efficient capacity scaling. The results show an improved efficiency of multi-wavelength transponders thanks to rate-adaptivity as a maximum of only 7 % additional LPs are reported, enabling significant savings in the number of required wavelength sources.