Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking utilization of a resource of an optical transport network by established end-to-end connections include configuring a network element to obtain one or more utilization metrics for utilization of the resource by one or more input data streams, and transmitting the utilization metrics to at least one of a network management system (NMS) of the optical network or another network element. In some implementations, the methods and systems may include performing resource usage measurements. In some implementations, the utilization metrics may be transmitted to another network element in overheads of digital containers encapsulating the one or more input data streams.

Abstract: An OSNR reducer adds a prescribed noise spectrum at a prescribed power level to an input optical signal. The OSNR reducer employs at least one optical amplifier to generate the noise and an optical combiner to combine the input optical signal with the noise. Optionally, the OSNR reducer may have a tunable filter that selects a desired wavelength range of the noise and a controller that varies the power level of the noise generated.