• Transponders
• Resource Utilization
• FON

The continuous growth of IP traffic in combination with other emerging highrate applications, such as high definition TV, video on demand, cloud computing and grid applications require more scalable and cost-effective networking infrastructure [2]. With this growth of internet traffic, optical networks are undergoing significant changes. To cope with this ever increasing bandwidth demand, technological
advancements in transmission systems are needed. So we are moving towards more sophisticated communication systems, advanced modulation schemes, resources flexibility and more intelligent devices. Simple on-off modulation of optical signals, which was adequate for bit rates up to 10 Gb/s, has given way to much more
sophisticated modulation schemes for 100 Gb/s and beyond. But the 10-year-old
division of the optical spectrum into a fixed wavelength grid, could be next bottleneck
which will no longer work for 400 Gb/s and above, indicating the need for a more flexible grid. As both transceivers and switches become flexible, a whole new elastic optical networking paradigm has evolved. In this writing, we will discuss flexibility and rigidity of network devices and their impact on a transmission system. We will focus mainly on the resource utilization which, in turns, is translated into budgeting aspects.
This study is supported by simulative results derived from a sample optical network. Comparison between the calculated statistics is made which further elaborates pros of flexible devices over rigid or static devices. These results are taken using different transmission parameters, including amplifications, modulation formats and routing
strategies. This analysis would be helpful in network planning, providing indications on resource utilization and budgeting.