A Programmable ROADM System for SDM/WDM Networks

This paper proposed and evaluated a programmable ROADM system for MCF-based SDM/WDM networks. The proposed ROADM system employing both bypass connection and Route-and-Select wavelength switching enables adaptable virtual topology in optical networks by dynamically configuring bypass connection cores. The simulation results confirmed this ROADM system could provide acceptable performance with an around 10–20% reduction in the total cost including the number of ports and WSSs by comparing with a fully flexible SDM/WDM ROADM system, which cannot be implemented due to the required extremely high-port-count WSSs

Space continuity constraint in dynamic Flex-Grid/SDM optical core networks: An evaluation with spatial and spectral super-channels

Space Division Multiplexing (SDM) appears as a promising solution to overcome the capacity limits of single-mode optical fibers. In Flex-Grid/SDM optical networks, nodes offering full interconnection between input/output fiber ports and spatial channels, typical SDM-Reconfigurable Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer (SDM-ROADM) referred to as independent switching with lane support (InS with LC support), require very complex and expensive node architectures. Alternative designs have been proposed to relax their requirements, such as those realizing Joint-switching (JoS) by switching one spectrum slice across all spatial channels at once. In this work, we evaluate the benefits of a cost-effective SDM-ROADM architecture that makes a trade-off between (i) performance in terms of network throughput and (ii) architectural complexity by forcing the Space Continuity Constraint (SCC) end-to-end, that is, along the connection physical path. The performance and architectural complexity of such a SDM-ROADM solution are compared in dynamic Flex-Grid/SDM scenarios against benchmark networks based on InS with LC support and JoS SDM-ROADMs, under both spatial and spectral super-channels. We quantify the network throughput when scaling the spatial multiplicity from 7 to 30 spatial channels, considering Multi-Fiber (MF) as well as Multi-Core Fiber (MCF) SDM solutions. The obtained results reveal that differences in terms of network throughput employing InS without LC support SDM-ROADMs is merely up to 14% lower than InS with LC support SDM-ROADMs, while the network CAPEX can be dramatically reduced by 86%. In contrast, networks employing InS without LC support SDM-ROADMs carry up to 40% higher throughput than JoS ones, whereas the network CAPEX can be raised up to 3×. This paper also analyses the spatial multiplicity impact on both network metrics (throughput and CAPEX).Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Assessment of Flex-Grid/MCF optical networks with ROADM limited core switching capability

The majority of the research studies on Flex-Grid over multi-core fiber (Flex-Grid/MCF) networks are built on the assumption of fully non-blocking ROADMs (FNB-ROADMs), able to switch any portion of the spectrum from any input core of any input fiber to any output core of any output fiber. Such flexibility comes at an enormous extra hardware cost. In this paper, we explore the trade-off of using ROADMs that impose the so-called core continuity constraint (CCC). Namely, a CCC-ROADM can switch spectrum from a core on an input fiber to a chosen output fiber, but cannot choose the specific output core. For instance, if all fibers have the same number of cores, the i-th core in the input fibers can be just switched to the i-th core in the output fibers. To evaluate the performance vs. cost trade-off of using CCCROADMs, we present two Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulations for optimally allocating incoming demands in Flex-Grid/MCF networks, where the CCC constraint is imposed or not, respectively. A set of results are extracted applying both schemes in two different backbone networks. Transmission reach estimations are conducted accounting for the fiber’s linear and non-linear effects, as well as the inter-core crosstalk (ICXT) impairment introduced by laboratory MCF prototypes of 7, 12 and 19 cores. Our numerical evaluations show that the performance penalty of CCC is minimal, i.e., below 1% for 7 and 12-core MCF and up to 10% for 19-core MCF, while the cost reduction is large. In addition, results reveal that the ICXT effect can be significant when the number of cores per MCF is high, up to a point that equipping the network with 12-core MCFs can yield superior effective capacity than with 19-core MCFs.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

Contributions to network planning and operation of Flex-Grid/SDM optical core networks

Premi Extraordinari de Doctorat, promoció 2018-2019. Àmbit de les TICThe ever demanding bandwidth requirements for supporting emerging telecom services such as ultra-high-definition video streaming, cloud computing, connected car, virtual/augmented reality, etc., bring to the fore the necessity to upgrade continuously the technology behind transport networks in order to keep pace with this exponential traffic growth. Thus, everything seems to indicate that fixed-grid Wavelength-Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks will be upgraded by adopting a flexible-grid, thus providing finer bandwidth allocation granularities, and therefore, increasing the Grade-of-Service by packing more information in the same spectral band of standard Single-Mode Fibers (SMFs). Nevertheless, unfortunately, the fundamental Shannon’s limit of SMFs is rapidly approaching, and, then, the research efforts to increase the SMFs' capacity will be useless. One solution to overcome this capacity crunch effect is to enable one extra dimension in addition to the frequency one, namely, the spatial dimension, thus deploying S parallel paths in order to multiply, in the best case, by S the capacity of SMF-based networks. However, additionally, it is necessary to decrease the cost and energy per bit in order to provide economically attractive solutions. For this purpose, a smooth upgrade path has to be carried out as new integrated devices and system components are developed for Space Division Multiplexing (SDM). This thesis is concentrated on the planning and operation of the combined flexible WDM and SDM networks (i.e., Flex-Grid/SDM networks) proposing several strategies aimed at optimizing network resources usage with hardware complexity analysis. For this purpose, firstly, network problems are carefully studied and stated, and then, mathematical and/or heuristic algorithms are designed and implemented in an optical network simulator. Specifically, after an introduction to the thesis, chapter 2 presents the background and related work. Next, chapter 3 concentrates on the study of spatially fixed Flex-Grid/SDM networks, i.e., when a rigid number of spatial channels are reserved per allocated traffic demand. In its turn, chapter 4 studies the case of Spectrally-Spatially Flexible Optical Networks (SS-FONs), as the ones providing the upper-bound network capacity. Costs and hardware requirements implied on providing this flexibility are analyzed. Network nodes aimed at reducing the cost of SS-FONs are presented and evaluated in chapter 5. Finally, this thesis ends with the presentation of the main contributions and future research work in chapter 6.La demanda de ancho de banda cada vez más exigente para soportar servicios de telecomunicación emergentes tales como la transmisión de video de alta calidad, computación en la nube, vehículo conectado, realidad virtual/aumentada, etc.…, ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de actualizar constantemente la tecnología detrás de las redes de transporte óptico con la finalidad de ir a la par de este incremento exponencial del tráfico. De esta manera, todo parece indicar que las redes basadas en la multiplexación por division de longitud de onda (Wavelength Division Multiplexing, WDM) de ancho espectral fijo serán actualizadas adoptando un ancho de banda espectral flexible, que ofrece asignaciones de ancho de banda con granularidad más fina acorde a las demandas de tráfico; y por lo tanto, incremanta el Grado de Servicio de la red, ya que se permite acomodar mayor información en la misma banda espectral de las fibras monomodo (Single Mode Fibers, SMFs). Sin embargo, desafortunadamente, el límite de Shannon de las fibras monomodo se está aproximando cada vez más, y cuando esto ocurra las investigaciones para incrementar la capacidad de las fibras monomodo serán infructuosas. Una posible solución para superar este colapso de las fibras monomodo es habilitar la dimensión espacial a más de la frecuencial, desplegando � caminos paralelos con la finalidad de multiplicar por � (en el mejor de los casos) la capacidad de las fibras monomodo. No obstante, es necesario disminuir el costo y la energía por bit con la finalidad de proveer soluciones comerciales atractivas. Para tal propósito debe llevarse a cabo una actualización moderada conforme nuevos dispositivos y componentes integrados son desarrollados para la implementación de la tecnología basada en la multiplexación por división de espacio (Space Division Multiplexing, SDM). Esta tesis se concentra en la planificación y operación de la combinación de las redes WDM flexibles y SDM (es decir, de las redes Flex-Grid/SDM) proponiendo varias estrategias dirigidas a optimizar el uso de los recursos de red junto con el análisis de la complejidad del hardware que viene acompañada. Para este fin, primeramente, los problemas de red son cuidadosamente estudiados y descritos. A continuación, se han diseñado e implementado algoritmos basados en programación lineal entera o heurísticas en un simulador de redes ópticas. Después de una introducción inicial, el capítulo 2 de esta tesis presenta el marco teórico sobre los conceptos tratados y los trabajos publicados anteriormente. A continuación, el capítulo 3 se concentra en el estudio de las redes Flex-Grid/SDM con la dimensión espacial rígida; es decir, cuando un número fijo de canales espaciales son reservados por cada demanda de tráfico establecida. Por su parte, el capítulo 4 estudia las redes Flex-Grid/SDM considerando flexibilidad tanto en el dominio espacial como espectral (Spectrally and Spatially Flexible Optical Networks, SS-FONs), las cuales proveerían la capacidad máxima de las redes SDM. Adicionalmente, los costos y requerimientos de hardware implicados en la provisión de esta flexibilidad son analizados. El capítulo 5 presenta la evaluación de nodos orientados a reducir los costos de las SS-FONs. Finalmente, el capítulo 6 expone las principales contribuciones y las posibles líneas de trabajo futuroEls requisits incessants d’ample de banda per al suport de nous serveis de telecomunicació, com poden ser la difusió en directe de vídeo de molt alta definició, la informàtica en el núvol, els cotxes intel·ligents connectats a la xarxa, la realitat virtual/augmentada, etc…, han exigit una millora contínua de les tecnologíes de les actuals xarxes de transport de dades. Tot sembla indicar que les xarxes de transport òptiques actuals, basades en la tecnologia de multiplexació per divisió de longitud d’ona (Wavelength Division Multiplexing, WDM) sobre un grid espectral rígid, hauran de ser reemplaçades per tecnologies òptiques més flexibles, amb una granularitat més fina a l’hora de suportar noves connexions, incrementat el grau de servei de les xarxes gràcies a aprofitament major de l’ample de banda espectral proporcionat per les fibres òptiques monomode (Single Mode Fibers, SMFs). Tanmateix, estem exhaurint ja la capacitat màxima de les fibres òptiques SMF segons ens indica el límit fonamental de Shannon. Per tant, qualsevol esforç enfocat a millorar la capacitat d’aquestes xarxes basades en SMFs pot acabar sent infructuós. Una possible solució per superar aquestes limitacions de capacitat és explorar la dimensió espacial, a més de l’espectral, desplegant camins en paral·lel per tal de multiplicar per , en el millor cas, la capacitat de les SMFs. Tot i això, és necessari reduir el cost i el consum energètic per bit transmès, per tal de proporcionar solucions econòmicament viables. Amb aquest propòsit, pot ser necessària una migració progressiva, a mesura que es desenvolupen nous dispositius i components per aquesta nova tecnologia de multiplexació per divisió espacial (Spatial Division Multiplexing, SDM). La present tesi es centra en la planificació i operació de xarxes òptiques de nova generació que combinin tecnologies de xarxa WDM flexible i SDM (és a dir, xarxes Flex-Grid/SDM), proposant estratègies per a l’optimització de l’ús dels recursos de xarxa i, en definitiva, el seu cost (CapEx). Amb aquest propòsit, s’analitzen en primer moment els problemes adreçats. Tot seguit, es dissenyen algorismes per tal de solucionar-los, basats en tècniques de programació matemàtica i heurístiques, els quals s’implementen i es proven en un simulador de xarxa òptica. Després d’una introducció inicial, el capítol 2 d’aquesta tesi presenta tots els conceptes tractats i treballs relacionats publicats amb anterioritat. Tot seguit, el capítol 3 es centra en l’estudi de les xarxes Flex-Grid/SDM fixes en el domini espai, és a dir, on sempre es reserva un nombre rígid de canals espacials per qualsevol demanda suportada. El capítol 4 estudia les xarxes flexibles en els dominis espectrals i espacials (Spectrally-Spatially Flexible Optical Nextworks, SS-FONs), com aquelles que poden proporcionar una capacitat de xarxa màxima. En aquest context, s’analitzen els requeriments en termes de cost i hardware per tal de proporcionar aquesta flexibilitat. Llavors, en el capítol 6 es presenten opcions de node de xarxa capaces de reduir els costos de les xarxes SS-FONs. Finalment, en el capítol 7 es repassen totes les contribucions de la tesi, així com posibles línies de treball futurAward-winningPostprint (published version

Resource allocation in disaggregated optical networks

The recently introduced disaggregation model is gaining interest due to its benefits when compared with traditional models.In essence, it consists on the separation of traditional hardware appliances (e.g. servers, network nodes) into commodity components, which then are mounted independently for their exploitation into customized physical infrastructures. Such an approach allows telecommunication operators and service providers to appropriately size their infrastructure and grow as needed. One of the main key benefits of the disaggregation model is the break of the vendor lock-in, pushing towards interoperability between equipment from different vendor with minimum standardization of software and hardware specifications, allowing operators to build the best solutions for their needs. Moreover, efficient scaling is also an important benefit introduced by the disaggregation approach. Due to these benefits, among others, the disaggregation model is gaining momentum and is being adopted into multiple fields and domains of nowadays telecom infrastructures. In this regard, the scenario under study of this master thesis focuses on disaggregated optical transport networks. Disaggregation allows for more open and customized optical networks, reducing both capital and operational expenditures for infrastructure owners.However, despite of these positive aspects, disaggregated optical networks face several challenges, beingthe degradation of the network performance when compared to traditional integrated solutions the most important one. In this regard, this thesis investigates the impact of disaggregation in optical networks and investigates regeneration as a potential solution to compensate the performances’ degradation. Under this premise, optimal solutions for regenerator placement, exploiting the inherent grooming capabilities of regenerators, are proposed and evaluatedIncomin

Contributions to network planning and operation of Flex-Grid/SDM optical core networks

The ever demanding bandwidth requirements for supporting emerging telecom services such as ultra-high-definition video streaming, cloud computing, connected car, virtual/augmented reality, etc., bring to the fore the necessity to upgrade continuously the technology behind transport networks in order to keep pace with this exponential traffic growth. Thus, everything seems to indicate that fixed-grid Wavelength-Division Multiplexed (WDM) networks will be upgraded by adopting a flexible-grid, thus providing finer bandwidth allocation granularities, and therefore, increasing the Grade-of-Service by packing more information in the same spectral band of standard Single-Mode Fibers (SMFs). Nevertheless, unfortunately, the fundamental Shannon’s limit of SMFs is rapidly approaching, and, then, the research efforts to increase the SMFs' capacity will be useless. One solution to overcome this capacity crunch effect is to enable one extra dimension in addition to the frequency one, namely, the spatial dimension, thus deploying S parallel paths in order to multiply, in the best case, by S the capacity of SMF-based networks. However, additionally, it is necessary to decrease the cost and energy per bit in order to provide economically attractive solutions. For this purpose, a smooth upgrade path has to be carried out as new integrated devices and system components are developed for Space Division Multiplexing (SDM). This thesis is concentrated on the planning and operation of the combined flexible WDM and SDM networks (i.e., Flex-Grid/SDM networks) proposing several strategies aimed at optimizing network resources usage with hardware complexity analysis. For this purpose, firstly, network problems are carefully studied and stated, and then, mathematical and/or heuristic algorithms are designed and implemented in an optical network simulator. Specifically, after an introduction to the thesis, chapter 2 presents the background and related work. Next, chapter 3 concentrates on the study of spatially fixed Flex-Grid/SDM networks, i.e., when a rigid number of spatial channels are reserved per allocated traffic demand. In its turn, chapter 4 studies the case of Spectrally-Spatially Flexible Optical Networks (SS-FONs), as the ones providing the upper-bound network capacity. Costs and hardware requirements implied on providing this flexibility are analyzed. Network nodes aimed at reducing the cost of SS-FONs are presented and evaluated in chapter 5. Finally, this thesis ends with the presentation of the main contributions and future research work in chapter 6.La demanda de ancho de banda cada vez más exigente para soportar servicios de telecomunicación emergentes tales como la transmisión de video de alta calidad, computación en la nube, vehículo conectado, realidad virtual/aumentada, etc.…, ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de actualizar constantemente la tecnología detrás de las redes de transporte óptico con la finalidad de ir a la par de este incremento exponencial del tráfico. De esta manera, todo parece indicar que las redes basadas en la multiplexación por division de longitud de onda (Wavelength Division Multiplexing, WDM) de ancho espectral fijo serán actualizadas adoptando un ancho de banda espectral flexible, que ofrece asignaciones de ancho de banda con granularidad más fina acorde a las demandas de tráfico; y por lo tanto, incremanta el Grado de Servicio de la red, ya que se permite acomodar mayor información en la misma banda espectral de las fibras monomodo (Single Mode Fibers, SMFs). Sin embargo, desafortunadamente, el límite de Shannon de las fibras monomodo se está aproximando cada vez más, y cuando esto ocurra las investigaciones para incrementar la capacidad de las fibras monomodo serán infructuosas. Una posible solución para superar este colapso de las fibras monomodo es habilitar la dimensión espacial a más de la frecuencial, desplegando � caminos paralelos con la finalidad de multiplicar por � (en el mejor de los casos) la capacidad de las fibras monomodo. No obstante, es necesario disminuir el costo y la energía por bit con la finalidad de proveer soluciones comerciales atractivas. Para tal propósito debe llevarse a cabo una actualización moderada conforme nuevos dispositivos y componentes integrados son desarrollados para la implementación de la tecnología basada en la multiplexación por división de espacio (Space Division Multiplexing, SDM). Esta tesis se concentra en la planificación y operación de la combinación de las redes WDM flexibles y SDM (es decir, de las redes Flex-Grid/SDM) proponiendo varias estrategias dirigidas a optimizar el uso de los recursos de red junto con el análisis de la complejidad del hardware que viene acompañada. Para este fin, primeramente, los problemas de red son cuidadosamente estudiados y descritos. A continuación, se han diseñado e implementado algoritmos basados en programación lineal entera o heurísticas en un simulador de redes ópticas. Después de una introducción inicial, el capítulo 2 de esta tesis presenta el marco teórico sobre los conceptos tratados y los trabajos publicados anteriormente. A continuación, el capítulo 3 se concentra en el estudio de las redes Flex-Grid/SDM con la dimensión espacial rígida; es decir, cuando un número fijo de canales espaciales son reservados por cada demanda de tráfico establecida. Por su parte, el capítulo 4 estudia las redes Flex-Grid/SDM considerando flexibilidad tanto en el dominio espacial como espectral (Spectrally and Spatially Flexible Optical Networks, SS-FONs), las cuales proveerían la capacidad máxima de las redes SDM. Adicionalmente, los costos y requerimientos de hardware implicados en la provisión de esta flexibilidad son analizados. El capítulo 5 presenta la evaluación de nodos orientados a reducir los costos de las SS-FONs. Finalmente, el capítulo 6 expone las principales contribuciones y las posibles líneas de trabajo futuroEls requisits incessants d’ample de banda per al suport de nous serveis de telecomunicació, com poden ser la difusió en directe de vídeo de molt alta definició, la informàtica en el núvol, els cotxes intel·ligents connectats a la xarxa, la realitat virtual/augmentada, etc…, han exigit una millora contínua de les tecnologíes de les actuals xarxes de transport de dades. Tot sembla indicar que les xarxes de transport òptiques actuals, basades en la tecnologia de multiplexació per divisió de longitud d’ona (Wavelength Division Multiplexing, WDM) sobre un grid espectral rígid, hauran de ser reemplaçades per tecnologies òptiques més flexibles, amb una granularitat més fina a l’hora de suportar noves connexions, incrementat el grau de servei de les xarxes gràcies a aprofitament major de l’ample de banda espectral proporcionat per les fibres òptiques monomode (Single Mode Fibers, SMFs). Tanmateix, estem exhaurint ja la capacitat màxima de les fibres òptiques SMF segons ens indica el límit fonamental de Shannon. Per tant, qualsevol esforç enfocat a millorar la capacitat d’aquestes xarxes basades en SMFs pot acabar sent infructuós. Una possible solució per superar aquestes limitacions de capacitat és explorar la dimensió espacial, a més de l’espectral, desplegant camins en paral·lel per tal de multiplicar per , en el millor cas, la capacitat de les SMFs. Tot i això, és necessari reduir el cost i el consum energètic per bit transmès, per tal de proporcionar solucions econòmicament viables. Amb aquest propòsit, pot ser necessària una migració progressiva, a mesura que es desenvolupen nous dispositius i components per aquesta nova tecnologia de multiplexació per divisió espacial (Spatial Division Multiplexing, SDM). La present tesi es centra en la planificació i operació de xarxes òptiques de nova generació que combinin tecnologies de xarxa WDM flexible i SDM (és a dir, xarxes Flex-Grid/SDM), proposant estratègies per a l’optimització de l’ús dels recursos de xarxa i, en definitiva, el seu cost (CapEx). Amb aquest propòsit, s’analitzen en primer moment els problemes adreçats. Tot seguit, es dissenyen algorismes per tal de solucionar-los, basats en tècniques de programació matemàtica i heurístiques, els quals s’implementen i es proven en un simulador de xarxa òptica. Després d’una introducció inicial, el capítol 2 d’aquesta tesi presenta tots els conceptes tractats i treballs relacionats publicats amb anterioritat. Tot seguit, el capítol 3 es centra en l’estudi de les xarxes Flex-Grid/SDM fixes en el domini espai, és a dir, on sempre es reserva un nombre rígid de canals espacials per qualsevol demanda suportada. El capítol 4 estudia les xarxes flexibles en els dominis espectrals i espacials (Spectrally-Spatially Flexible Optical Nextworks, SS-FONs), com aquelles que poden proporcionar una capacitat de xarxa màxima. En aquest context, s’analitzen els requeriments en termes de cost i hardware per tal de proporcionar aquesta flexibilitat. Llavors, en el capítol 6 es presenten opcions de node de xarxa capaces de reduir els costos de les xarxes SS-FONs. Finalment, en el capítol 7 es repassen totes les contribucions de la tesi, així com posibles línies de treball futu

Physical Layer Aware Optical Networks

This thesis describes novel contributions in the field of physical layer aware optical networks. IP traffic increase and revenue compression in the Telecom industry is putting a lot of pressure on the optical community to develop novel solutions that must both increase total capacity while being cost effective. This requirement is pushing operators towards network disaggregation, where optical network infrastructure is built by mix and match different physical layer technologies from different vendors. In such a novel context, every equipment and transmission technique at the physical layer impacts the overall network behavior. Hence, methods giving quantitative evaluations of individual merit of physical layer equipment at network level are a firm request during network design phases as well as during network lifetime. Therefore, physical layer awareness in network design and operation is fundamental to fairly assess the potentialities, and exploit the capabilities of different technologies. From this perspective, propagation impairments modeling is essential. In this work propagation impairments in transparent optical networks are summarized, with a special focus on nonlinear effects. The Gaussian Noise model is reviewed, then extended for wideband scenarios. To do so, the impact of polarization mode dispersion on nonlinear interference (NLI) generation is assessed for the first time through simulation, showing its negligible impact on NLI generation. Thanks to this result, the Gaussian Noise model is generalized to assess the impact of space and frequency amplitude variations along the fiber, mainly due to stimulated Raman scattering, on NLI generation. The proposed Generalized GN (GGN) model is experimentally validated on a setup with commercial linecards, compared with other modeling options, and an example of application is shown. Then, network-level power optimization strategies are discussed, and the Locally Optimization Global Optimization (LOGO) approach reviewed. After that, a novel framework of analysis for optical networks that leverages detailed propagation impairment modeling called the Statistical Network Assessment Process (SNAP) is presented. SNAP is motivated by the need of having a general framework to assess the impact of different physical layer technologies on network performance, without relying on rigid optimization approaches, that are not well-suited for technology comparison. Several examples of applications of SNAP are given, including comparisons of transceivers, amplifiers and node technologies. SNAP is also used to highlight topological bottlenecks in progressively loaded network scenarios and to derive possible solutions for them. The final work presented in this thesis is related to the implementation of a vendor agnostic quality of transmission estimator for multi-vendor optical networks developed in the context of the Physical Simulation Environment group of the Telecom Infra Project. The implementation of a module based on the GN model is briefly described, then results of a multi-vendor experimental validation performed in collaboration with Microsoft are shown

Software Defined Applications in Cellular and Optical Networks

abstract: Small wireless cells have the potential to overcome bottlenecks in wireless access through the sharing of spectrum resources. A novel access backhaul network architecture based on a Smart Gateway (Sm-GW) between the small cell base stations, e.g., LTE eNBs, and the conventional backhaul gateways, e.g., LTE Servicing/Packet Gateways (S/P-GWs) has been introduced to address the bottleneck. The Sm-GW flexibly schedules uplink transmissions for the eNBs. Based on software defined networking (SDN) a management mechanism that allows multiple operator to flexibly inter-operate via multiple Sm-GWs with a multitude of small cells has been proposed. This dissertation also comprehensively survey the studies that examine the SDN paradigm in optical networks. Along with the PHY functional split improvements, the performance of Distributed Converged Cable Access Platform (DCCAP) in the cable architectures especially for the Remote-PHY and Remote-MACPHY nodes has been evaluated. In the PHY functional split, in addition to the re-use of infrastructure with a common FFT module for multiple technologies, a novel cross functional split interaction to cache the repetitive QAM symbols across time at the remote node to reduce the transmission rate requirement of the fronthaul link has been proposed.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Electrical Engineering 201