Abstract: A communications network has a plurality of nodes interconnected by an optical transmission medium. The transmission medium is capable of a carrying a plurality of wavelengths organized into bands. A filter at each node for drops a band associated therewith and passively forwards other bands through the transmission medium. A device is provided at each node for adding a band to the transmission medium. Communication can be established directly between a pair of nodes in the network sharing a common band without the active intervention of any intervening node. This allows the network to be protocol independent. Also, the low losses incurred by the passive filters permit relatively long path lengths without optical amplification.

Abstract: The system and method consistent with the present invention provides a directory with graphical icons representing characteristics of the entries for a communication device. The graphical icons are associated with additional information for the corresponding entry.

Abstract: Multichannel communications method and system wherein transmit power is controlled for each channel to achieve progressive approach towards a preset or given minimum of signal (or carrier) to noise plus interference ratio (SNIR) for any active channel concerned. Progression is by steps from frame to frame of transmissions according to signals as received in the previous frame and scaling of difference between reciprocals of previous frame actual and preset or given minimum SNIRs.