Optical Networks Control and Management

Control and management play a key role in enabling optical networks to efficiently and smoothly carry user data. In the recent years, there has been much advance in the areas, ranging from the traditional Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) to today’s Path Computation Element (PCE)-based technology. In addition, elastic, spectrum-efficient and gridless optical networks, reduction of energy consumption, and Software Defined Networking (SDN) in optical networks are gaining attention from both research community and network operators. Consequently, network control and management system that can efficiently allocate optical fiber spectrum resources and support energy-efficient operation will be another exciting near-term research focus. The future optical network management and control plane is expected to be more versatile, scalable, automatic, and resource-efficient.