The exponential increase in global data traffic has imposed numerous challenges for telecommunication systems. There is a trade-off between the interest of telecom operators of increasing net revenue and of customers, of increasing the rate of data transmission. Thus, several solutions have been discussed in the scope of optical communications. One of the proposals studied is the more intense application of digital signal processing. In this work the use of OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) modulation was evaluated in the new generation optical networks. As proof of concept, the performance of optical networks in different configurations was analyzed using OptiSystem Software®. Some advantages and disadvantages of the use of OFDM modulation for the next generation networks were evidenced. It was concluded that OFDM modulation is a viable alternative for use in new generation networks.