Benefits for mixed-line-rate (MLR) and elastic networks using flexible frequency grids

Benefits of different channel grid configurations (ITU 50GHz grid, 12.5GHz grid, gridless) in an US network are analyzed for MLR/elastic networks, transparent network/network with high spectral efficiency, and for 2010/2020 traffic load scenarios. We show that elastic and MLR networks can achieve comparable performance levels using a 12.5 GHz grid.