Disaggregation of the Optical Layer for More Cost-Effective Metro Networks

The access and edge metro networks traffic growth combined with the limitations of CapEx and OpEx have led to the search for solutions more cost-efficient, with smaller footprint and a lower energy consumption. This problem has led to the recent concept of disaggregation of optical layer elements and consequent interest in fixed and passive pluggable components instead of traditional reconfigurable structures (ROADM). This paper proposes a routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) method adapted to the limitations imposed by the fixed components to overcome the problem of service path interdependence with wavelength assignment and channel availability due to fixed filter constrains. This method is then applied to metro networks design, ensuring in both cases the reduction of the express directions and wavelengths used, leading to a drastic reduction or complete elimination of the ROADM requirement.