A simple strategy to improve spectrum use in multi-rate flexgrid optical networks

A simple overprovisioning Spectrum Assignment strategy for flexgrid networks is demonstrated as efficient in terms of network throughput at a given blocking probability. Gain is obtained despite allocated spectrum exceeds the strictly required. This is due to the fact that some order is achieved in the spectrum occupation by making bandwidth of connections multiple of each other. This way network fragmentation is alleviated and therefore more traffic can be supported at a given bandwidth blocking probability. The overprovisioning proposal introduced is supported by results obtained through simulation.