Abstract: This application proposes a solution that makes access to the Optical Link State (OLS) information more efficient for use by upper level applications. Applications are independent of underlying routing protocols. This solution applies to all Link State based IGP protocols with the extension to optical networks, including OSPF and IS-IS.

Abstract: This application proposes a solution for providing fast auto-recovery of the control plane network against a control link failure in an optical communications network. The described solution applies to both protected and unprotected control channels. If a control channel is protected, the solution is triggered only when the protection control channel cannot resume the connectivity. In a control link failure situation each node in a neighboring pair attempts to find an alternate control route before informing the network manager of the link failure. If an alternate route is established, the control plane is quickly re-established without involving system resources.

Abstract: This application proposes a solution that makes access to the Optical Link State (OLS) information more efficient for use by upper level applications. Applications are independent of underlying routing protocols. This solution applies to all Link State based IGP protocols with the extension to optical networks, including OSPF and IS-IS.

Abstract: The invention proposes an apparatus and method to automatically discover port mapping between neighboring optical nodes in a switched optical network. It can also be used as a diagnostic method to find faulty connections and channels. It is assumed that each node has a switch that can connect any ingress port to any egress port in the node.

Abstract: The invention provides a distributed event notification mechanism that allows distributed applications to communicate with each other by generating events and receiving events through a distributed event notification service. An event manager coordinates activities between respective applications to ensure distribution regardless of the physical location of network elements. A naming service provides details of application location and configuration.

Abstract: A software architecture for managing switch connections in a communications system is described. The management architecture of this invention introduces an abstraction layer that hides hardware specific information from the core switch connection management and higher-level applications. This reduces or eliminates the dependency of the software on the hardware, and enables other applications such as simulation, test and diagnostics, switch fabric maintenance, and performance measurement or management on the same software.

Abstract: The light layer 1 OEO data path system architecture of the present invention provides a solution to the data opaqueness (i.e. protocol and data rate specific) of traditional OEO optical cross-connect switches (e.g. SONET/SDH OXC) and the full optical transparency issues of all optical photonic switches. More specifically, the documented light layer 1 OEO data path system architecture of the invention solves numerous identified problems for SONET/ISDH OEO cross-connect and all optical photonic switches.

Abstract: In a system configured with control redundancy, there are two control elements: an active control complex and an inactive control complex. An increased level of fault tolerance can be achieved when switching the activity state between complexes in the event of a critical software or hardware failure. The present invention relates to system redundancy and introduces a new method to ensure that system context is always synchronized across a switch-over process.