Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, predicting dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) path outage prediction and recommendation of alternate communication paths. Parameterized DWDM signals are launched, and resulting network characteristics are determined. The parameters and characteristics are used to train one or more machine learning models subsequently used to predict outages and recommend alternate paths. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, collecting network information for a mobility network, including processing the network information at a central controller serving the mobility network, building, in the central controller, a machine learning model including building the machine learning model using the network information, and allocating, by the central controller, radio channels of the mobility network based on a recommendation of the machine learning model. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for self-characterization of a software-defined optical network are disclosed. A test transponder may generate and transmit test traffic using various combinations of transmission parameters to discern physical characteristic of a route between two network elements. The test transponder may compute optical characteristics of the route based on the physical characteristics and transmission parameters. An SDN controller may maintain a characterization database storing test results. The test results may be fed to a machine learning engine, which outputs predictions or recommendations regarding utilization of bandwidth and other resources. The optical network may be adapted to handle requested, observed, or predicted changes in on-demand traffic or traffic surges. The test results may be used to defragment the optical spectrum with minimal or no impact on existing traffic to make space in a flexible grid for newly launched channels or channels being moved to different spectrum locations.