Systems and methods are provided for enhancing techniques for provisioning optical channels to allow optical networks to operate in an optimal fashion. A method, according to one implementation, includes utilizing a plurality of modems to measure optical performance parameters of a plurality of optical channels of an optical spectrum. Each optical channel is previously unassigned in an unknown optical link system to be commissioned. The modems are arranged within a group for communicating optical signals within the optical spectrum across the unknown optical link system to an unknown far-end network element. The method also includes provisioning the plurality of optical channels based on the measured optical performance parameters to enable data communication between the near-end network element and the far-end network element. Before commissioning, the unknown optical link system does not allow data communication between the near-end network element and the far-end network element.