Abstract: The invention pertains to optical fiber transmission systems, and is particularly relevant to transmission of large volumes of data over long distances at high rates. An improved apparatus achieving precise dispersion compensation in a fiber span is disclosed. In particular, the invention teaches a configurable dispersion compensation trimmer with automatic detection of configuration.

Abstract: An automated optical transport system is provided which provides for automatic discovery of system components, automatic inventory of system components, automatic topology detection, automatic provisioning of channels, and automatic characterization and tuning of system components and fiber. The invention provides automation capability through inclusion of management card capabilities at each station which communicates through a reverse propagating service channel. Dynamic and propagation direction independent segments are provided in conjunction with a token-based scheme to repeatedly tune, update and monitor the transport system.

Abstract: This invention pertains to optical fiber transmission networks, and is particularly relevant to transmission of high volume of data and voice traffic among different locations. In particular, the improvement teaches improvements to an optical transport system to allow for efficient and flexible network evolution.

Abstract: The invention pertains to optical fiber transmission systems, and is particularly relevant to optical transport systems employing Raman optical amplifiers. In particular the invention teaches an apparatus and method to control the Raman gain based upon power measurements at one end of the transmission fiber.