Probabilistic Constellation Shaping in Flex-Grid over Multicore Fibre Optical Backbone Networks: An Energy Savings Evaluation

Probabilistic constellation shaping (PCS) has been shown to close the gap to channel capacity at any distance, by providing a fine-grained software-defined trade-off between achievable spectral efficiency and transmission reach. Previous works on PCS performance evaluation in Flex-Grid over multicore fibre optical backbone networks have already noted its superior performance when compared to traditional modulation formats, as well as its potential to lower associated network capital expenditures (CAPEX) by allowing, for example, a reduction in the required number of transceivers to handle the offered traffic demands. This paper investigates the potential of PCS to lower network energy consumption, as a way to contribute to the eco-friendliness and sustainability of next-generation optical backbone networks.