Optical networks deploying high capacity WDM optical data transport are becoming a fundamental infrastructure in modern society to support the ever increasing Internet traffic demand. To achieve an efficient transmission control, virtualization down to the physical layer of devices involved in the whole communication system is required to accurately and realistically simulate the behavior of the network, in particular of a software defined network. For this to happen, modeling and appropriately characterizing all network elements involved in the optical fiber transmission is a fundamental request, to enable software system management and a correct interaction between the different components, possibly multivendor. This step is fundamental for the creation of an open optical network, allowing a cost reduction and a smarter management of the entire communication system.