Review and analysis of elastic optical network and sliceable bandwidth variable transponder architecture

Traditional dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology is no longer enough to meet the extensive growth in the demand of bandwidth in an efficient and effective manner under the fixed grid environment. Thus, a technology is needed to overcome the challenges raised by the ever-increasing demand of bandwidth in an effective manner with efficient utilization of spectral resources. To solve this problem, an elastic optical network (EON) paradigm comes into existence. It uses a flexible grid technology that removes the limitations of fixed grid DWDM technology and increases the channel capacity to meet current bandwidth demand with proper utilization of optical spectrum. We present the evolution of EON from the DWDM network. We have discussed the main components and characteristics of EON that includes superchannel and sliceable bandwidth variable transponder (SBVT). Thereafter, we discuss the different modulation and transmission techniques used in EON. Next, we present the recently proposed architectures of SBVT followed by its applications. Lastly, we have discussed various subcarrier generation techniques in brief.