Abstract: Bit-transparent muxing of an input signal for transport through an optical communications network. A fixed length container of the optical communications network is defined, which includes an overhead and a payload. A stuffing ratio (?) is based based on a line rate of the input signal and a data rate of the container. A number (NFS) of fixed stuffs is computed based on the stuffing ratio (?). The input signal and NFS fixed stuffs are inserted into the payload of the container, and the computed number NFS stored in the container's overhead. In some embodiments, the container is an overclocked OTU-3 (OTU3+) frame having a line rate of 44.6 Gb/s. This enables bit-transparent mux/demux of four nominal 10-Gig signals having line rates within a range of between 7.6 Gb/s and 10.4 Gb/s, or a single nominal 40-Gig signal having a line rate within a range of between 38.8 Gb/s and 41.6 Gb/s.

Abstract: An optical signal occupying one or more wavelengths. An optical data signal on each wavelength is modulated with a respective overhead (dither) signal, resulting in a respective dithered optical signal. The amplitude of a particular overhead signal used to modulate the corresponding optical data signal is chosen so that the RMS value of the overhead signal in the dithered optical signal is proportional to the average intensity of the optical data signal. The instantaneous frequency of each overhead signal is time-varying and each possible frequency belongs to a distinct set of frequencies which are all harmonically related to a fundamental frequency. The distinctness of each set of frequencies allows each overhead signal to be uniquely isolated from an aggregate overhead signal.

Abstract: A suppressed carrier optical communications signal is generated by driving (biasing) an optical modulator capable of complex modulation of an optical carrier signal to a bias point near a zero-crossing point of the modulator's E-field response. A complex input signal is then used to drive excursions of the E-field response to impress the input signal onto the optical carrier. The resulting lightwave emerging from the complex modulator exhibits an optical spectrum characterized by a pair of sidebands and a strongly suppressed carrier. Bias control of the complex modulator is implemented on the basis of the optical power detected at the output of the complex modulator. This enables the optical modulator to be treated as a “black box”, in that calculation of the bias signals does not relay on knowledge of the precise performance characteristics of the modulator.

Abstract: An optical signal occupying one or more wavelengths. An optical data signal on each wavelength is modulated with a respective overhead (dither) signal, resulting in a respective dithered optical signal. The amplitude of a particular overhead signal used to modulate the corresponding optical data signal is chosen so that the RMS value of the overhead signal in the dithered optical signal is proportional to the average intensity of the optical data signal. The instantaneous frequency of each overhead signal is time-varying and each possible frequency belongs to a distinct set of frequencies which are all harmonically related to a fundamental frequency. The distinctness of each set of frequencies allows each overhead signal to be uniquely isolated from an aggregate overhead signal.

Abstract: A method of minimizing jitter in a system for rate adapting a data signal for transport through a synchronous network. A phase difference is measured between a data clock synchronous with the data signal and a local clock of the synchronous network. A timing reference (F) indicative of a frequency difference between the asynchronous data signal and the local clock is measured using the measured phase difference. Calculation of the timing reference includes compensating ambiguity in the measured phase difference.

Abstract: An optical network system having a global controller capable of controlling all the elements of the network. The controller receives performance data from each optical network element and calculates a performance value for each channel transmitting through the system. The controller then isolates the channel with the minimum performance value and tests possible changes in network element parameters to find a change which would increase this performance value. Once such a change is found, it is implemented and the system is reoptimized.

Abstract: A method of controlling a polar optical transmitter comprising a dual-branch Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator driven by a pair of independent electrical drive signals. A cost function is provided which defines a relationship between a control parameter of the optical transmitter and a power level of an output optical signal generated by the MZ modulator. A selected component of the electrical drive signals is dithered using a predetermined dither signal. A modulation depth of the output optical signal power level corresponding to the dither signal is detected, and the control parameter adjusted based on the cost function and the detection result.

Abstract: In a method of synthesizing an optical signal, a multi-bit digital representation of a desired optical E-field is generated. The multi-bit digital representation has a resolution of N1-bits, where N1 is an integer greater than 2. At least two analog drive signals are synthesized based on the multi-bit digital representation. Each analog drive signal exhibits excursions between 2M discrete states (i.e. has a resolution of M-bits), where M is an integer greater than 2. An electrical-to-optical (E/O) converter is driven using the analog drive signals to generate an output optical E-field at an output of the E/O converter. An error is detected between the output optical E-field and the desired complex E-field waveform, and at least one parameter adjusted so as to minimize the detected error.

Abstract: An optical signal occupying one or more wavelengths. An optical data signal on each wavelength is modulated with a respective overhead (dither) signal, resulting in a respective dithered optical signal. The amplitude of a particular overhead signal used to modulate the corresponding optical data signal is chosen so that the RMS value of the overhead signal in the dithered optical signal is proportional to the average intensity of the optical data signal. The instantaneous frequency of each overhead signal is time-varying and each possible frequency belongs to a distinct set of frequencies which are all harmonically related to a fundamental frequency. The distinctness of each set of frequencies allows each overhead signal to be uniquely isolated from an aggregate overhead signal.

Abstract: The performance of a WDM system is improved by adjusting launch powers of each channel responsive to a prediction of system performance degradation. The prediction of system performance degradation could relate to the effect of Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) in which case, given launch power, a value representative of the effect of SRS is estimated for each channel in a WDM system using a method described herein. Using this SRS effect estimate, a value is computed for the estimated output power of each channel. These estimated output power values are then used to refine the estimate of the SRS effect on each channel. Subsequently, the refined SRS effect estimates are used to refine the estimated output power values. These steps are repeated and eventually an estimate of SRS effect on each wavelength channel is settled upon that is as accurate as that which results from other, more computationally complex, methods.

Abstract: In a method of estimating a bit rate (f1) of a digital signal conveyed through a SONET network between an originating node and a terminating node, the digital signal received by the originating node is processed to determine a result of a first function of the signal bit rate (f1) and a respective Tx local reference frequency (f2) of the originating node. A result of a second function of the Tx local reference frequency (f2) and a respective Rx local reference frequency (f3) of the terminating node is calculated. Finally, a result of a third function of the respective first and second function results is calculated, to derive an estimate of the signal bit rate (f4) relative to the Rx local reference frequency (f3).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of detecting, on a per wavelength basis, optical return loss at the output of an optical circuit pack. The optical circuit pack can be, for example, an optical amplifier. At an output port and reflected port of the optical circuit pack apparatus for detecting signals is connected. The output power and reflected power are measured, and the optical return loss is calculated. The return loss may be calculated for signals on one or more wavelength channels.

Abstract: An optical network system having a global controller capable of controlling all the elements of the network. The controller receives performance data from each optical network element and calculates a performance value for each channel transmitting through the system. The controller then isolates the channel with the minimum performance value and tests possible changes in network element parameters to find a change which would increase this performance value. Once such a change is found, it is implemented and the system is reoptimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for system level Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) error compensation in an optical fiber network, the network characterized in that it comprises the infrastructure required to measure the power levels of all optical channels using a pilot tone monitoring technique, the compensation method comprises the steps of collecting preceding fiber span system configuration data such as, but not necessarily limited to, the power level of each wavelength and wavelength distribution, SRS error up to that point, fiber type and insertion loss, transmitting the configuration data to a network component having computer readable-code adapted to receive the configuration data, calculating local SRS error values incorporating the transmitted configuration data and leveraging the calculated local SRS error values to correct power levels based on the reported SRS error of the previous spans and the local SRS error.

Abstract: Iterative approach to Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) error estimation in an optical fiber network comprised of determining a multi-channel SRS error value for each pairing of all possible pairings of all the channels by inputting measured channel power levels into a two-channel equation and further calculating the SRS error in a single fiber span for all channels by extending the two-channel equation in an iterative form for calculating the SRS error in a single fiber span for all channels. An embodiment of the invention further comprising determining for each channel over multiple fiber spans the amount of total SRS error value at every span based on the calculated SRS error value of its previous span to determine the SRS error accumulated over a multi-span network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for system level Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) error compensation in an optical fiber network, the network characterized in that it comprises the infrastructure required to measure the power levels of all optical channels using a pilot tone monitoring technique, the compensation method comprises the steps of collecting preceding fiber span system configuration data such as, but not necessarily limited to, the power level of each wavelength and wavelength distribution, SRS error up to that point, fiber type and insertion loss, transmitting the configuration data to a network component having computer readable-code adapted to receive the configuration data, calculating local SRS error values incorporating the transmitted configuration data and leveraging the calculated local SRS error values to correct power levels based on the reported SRS error of the previous spans and the local SRS error.

Abstract: The present invention relates to higher order effects in Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) error estimation in an optical fiber network, the network characterized in that it comprises the infrastructure required to measure the power levels of all optical channels using a pilot tone monitoring technique, the estimation comprising the steps of determining the multi-channel SRS error value by applying small signal analysis to the solution of the SRS system of differential equations, calculating the SRS error in a single fiber span for all channels by creating a Dither Transfer Matrix (DTM) and estimating SRS by observing higher order effects within the DTM.

Abstract: The power of an optical signal (s1) travelling on a channel (&lgr;1) of a WDM transmission system, is measured using a signature bit pattern (sBP1) which is inserted in the frame of the optical signal (s1). The power level of sBPL is adjusted at the launching point to a predetermined ratio (m) with the power of the optical signal. At a point of interest, the fiber is tapped and a fraction of the tapped signal, that includes a corresponding fraction of sBP1, is converted to an electrical signal. The fraction of sBP1 is extracted from a the electrical signal and power of sBPL is measured. This gives the optical power of s1 as (m) is known and also the calibration constant for the respective channel (&lgr;1) is known. The method can be applied for any and all channels of the WDM transmission system.

Abstract: In WDM systems, each wavelength travels over a different optical paths, thus having different reflections within the path. This method for detecting reflections in bidirectional multichannel communication systems uses a unique signature attached to each signal. This allows to isolate reflections within each optical path, by measuring the optical power of a signal and of the reflection, by measuring the power of the signal and the power of the reflection. The location of the reflection is determined by calculating the relative delay between the signal and the respective reflection.