  We propose methods and an architecture to conduct measurements and optimize
newly installed optical fiber line systems semi-automatically using integrated
physics-aware technologies in a data center interconnection (DCI) transmission
scenario. We demonstrate, for the first time, digital longitudinal monitoring
(DLM) and optical line system (OLS) physical parameter calibration working
together in real-time to extract physical link parameters for transmission
performance optimization. Our methodology has the following advantages over
traditional design: a minimized footprint at user sites, accurate estimation of
the necessary optical network characteristics via complementary telemetry
technologies, and the capability to conduct all operation work remotely. The
last feature is crucial, as it enables remote operation to implement network
design settings for immediate response to quality of transmission (QoT)
degradation and reversion in the case of unforeseen problems. We successfully
performed semi-automatic line system provisioning over field fiber networks
facilities at Duke University, Durham, NC. The tasks of parameter retrieval,
equipment setting optimization, and system setup/provisioning were completed
within 1 hour. The field operation was supervised by on-duty personnel who
could access the system remotely from different time zones. By comparing
Q-factor estimates calculated from the extracted link parameters with measured
results from 400G transceivers, we confirmed that our methodology has a
reduction in the QoT prediction errors (+-0.3 dB) over existing design (+-10.6
dB).
