Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, data structure and article of manufacture for detecting the potential of a timing loop occurrence within an optical network having a plurality of network elements. The method includes the steps of: building a data block for each of the network elements, each such data block including information regarding the status of synchronization status messaging (SSM) in the network; and evaluating timing distribution engineering of the network based on information in the data blocks, so as to determine the potential of timing loop occurrence in the network. The present invention provides the ability to detect the potential of a timing loop occurrence (in networks not employing SSM as well as networks employing SSM) as a result of network elements receiving line timing from one another, as opposed to having to wait for a network timing loop to occur and having to deal reactively with the problem.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a tool for maintaining and analyzing portions of an optical network. In some embodiments, a tool is provided that provides a map of sections of an optical network. Additionally, details on the performance and operations of the network elements forming a section of an optical network may also be provided. Embodiments of the invention may collect and use performance and operation statistics which were collected by network elements for other purposes. An algorithm collates the collected data to generate a map of optical links of an optical network. Through use of the map, data structures providing detailed information about the network can be populated. Embodiments of the invention provide a maintenance and analysis tool which may enable optical network administrators to save time, effort and costs and provide increased customer satisfaction.

Abstract: A method and system for auditing an optical network to identify malfunctioning network elements and to generate a report which would allow skilled personnel to quickly and effectively identify areas of functionality of a deployed network element that is operating incorrectly by reading through the report. The method involves reading a network element data file and comparing parameters of the file represented by a network interface command line of the file with specified parameters to determine if the network element is operating within valid operating ranges; determining which parameters of the network interface command line are outside valid operating ranges; creating a network element findings file for findings of parameters of the network interface command line which are outside valid operating ranges; and repeating the foregoing steps for data files of all network elements in the network.

Abstract: A computer program is provided for determining and displaying fiber connectivity along a line of a SONET network. The computer program logs into each network element in the line and sets a section trace transmit value for each circuit pack group (CPG). The computer program then logs into each network element in the line, and reads the value of a received section trace value of each circuit pack group. The fiber connectivity is displayed using a data structure which allows crossed fibers to be seen readily by displaying the section trace transmit value and the section trace received value of CPGs in neighbouring network elements. The computer program allows the fiber connectivity along the line to be determined quickly, and crossed fibers to be noticed easily.