Abstract: A non-blocking optical matrix core switching method that includes maintaining a schedule for routing data through an optical matrix core and receiving and analyzing reports from peripheral devices. The method determines whether the schedule is adequate for the current data traffic patterns and if the schedule is not adequate a new schedule is implemented. The new schedule is then transferred to the peripheral devices for implementation and the new schedule is transferred to the optical matrix core scheduler. Implementation of the new schedule as the schedule on the peripheral devices and the optical matrix core scheduler is then performed.

Abstract: An improved architecture for transmitting data from a plurality of sources to a plurality of destinations, wherein pieces of data directed to each destination are aggregated and transmitted periodically. In one embodiment, a plurality of ingress edge units and a plurality of egress edge units which are each coupled to an optical switching matrix. The ingress edge units are configured to parse incoming signals into components, each of which is destined for a particular one of the egress edge units. A switch is configured to store the data components destined for each egress edge unit in a corresponding buffer or set of buffers. Each of the buffers is read sequentially during a corresponding timeslot, with the data stored therein being transmitted to the designated egress edge unit. The data is thereby time-multiplexed for transmission to the egress edge units.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for slot deflection routing of optical data packets. The method of the present invention includes the steps of establishing a schedule pattern that includes a plurality of time slots. The schedule pattern includes at least one time slot in which an ingress edge unit can communicate with a destination egress edge unit, at least one time slot in which the ingress edge unit can communicate with a intermediate edge unit, and at least one time slot in which the intermediate edge unit can communicate with the destination egress edge unit. The present invention also includes receiving a data packet at the ingress edge unit and determining if the schedule pattern allocates sufficient bandwidth to send the data packet from the ingress edge unit to the destination egress edge unit without deflecting the data packet through an intermediate edge unit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for rapid, accurate OSNR measurements by directly measuring the spectrally-resolved State of Polarization (SOP) variation across each DWDM channel and using a polarization controller to deterministically extinguish the signal across narrow frequency subbands within each DWDM channel. In-band ASE noise is subsequently measured as a function of frequency across the channel bandwidth.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dynamically computing a schedule defining interconnections between ports in a switching system. In one embodiment, a switching core requests demand reports from the ingress ports. In response to this request, the ingress ports generate a series of suggested port schedules, beginning with a first choice, then a second choice, and so on. The schedules are transmitted to the switching core, beginning with the first choice. The switching core receives the first choice for each of the ports and determines whether the aggregate schedule defined by the first choices is valid. If the aggregate schedule is valid, then this schedule is implemented. If the aggregate schedule is not valid, portions of it are discarded and the next choice from each of the ports is examined to identify connections to replace the discarded portions. This process is repeated until a valid schedule is obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conveying multiple low-bit-rate data streams over a data transport medium which is configured to transport data in a single, high-bit-rate data stream. In one embodiment, a plurality of low-bit-rate signals are received and a corresponding data rate is determined. Each of the signals is formatted in frames comprising a payload and overhead data. The high-bit-rate signal is also formatted in frames comprising a payload and overhead data, but the frames (including payload and overhead) contain more bits than those of the low-bit-rate frames. The payloads of the low-bit-rate frames are mapped into the payloads of the high-bit-rate frames. The overhead and timing data of the low-bit-rate frames are mapped into the unused portion of the overhead of the high-bit-rate frames. After the high-bit-rate signal is transported, the payload, overhead and timing data of each of the low-bit-rate signals is extracted, and the corresponding signals are reproduced.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transmitting data from one point to another by transparently converting the data from an initial form into an intermediate form for transport via a transmission or transport medium, and then converting the data back into the initial form, wherein the bit sequence and timing of the original data stream are reproduced. Timing data of the input data stream is identified and inserted into the data for transport. The timing data is extracted from the received data and used to reproduce the timing of the original data stream in the delivered data stream.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hermetically sealing an optical fiber in a feedthrough connection. In brief overview, the optical fiber is mounted in a housing whose physical properties differ from that of the fiber by utilizing a structure in accordance with the present invention. The structure, typically in transition bushing form, is formed from at least two materials, such that the physical properties of a first material are selected to match the physical properties of the optical fiber, and the physical properties of a second material are selected to match physical properties of the housing. When the matched physical properties are the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the fiber and the housing, the result is a fiber optic mounting that remains hermetically sealed despite changes in ambient temperature that would typically induce stresses in the seal, potentially causing its failure.