Abstract: In an optical communication network that includes a plurality of interconnected network nodes, a method includes storing in each network node, and for each communication channel that traverses the node, one or more impairment margins of respective impairments that affect the communication channel. A potential communication channel that traverses a subset of the nodes in the network is identified. A quality of the potential communication channel is evaluated by processing the impairment margins stored in the nodes in the subset.

Abstract: In an optical communication network that includes a plurality of interconnected network nodes, a method includes storing in each network node, and for each communication channel that traverses the node, one or more impairment margins of respective impairments that affect the communication channel. A potential communication channel that traverses a subset of the nodes in the network is identified. A quality of the potential communication channel is evaluated by processing the impairment margins stored in the nodes in the subset.

Abstract: Optical safety functions are incorporated into protection switching modules which maintain redundant pathways to avoid interruptions in optical network connections. The optical safety functions which lower optical power levels upon interruptions of optical connections are effectively combined with protection switching procedures which are also triggered by interruptions in optical network connections. The interoperation of protection and safety processes keep optical power levels below hazardous levels at system points which might be accessible to human operators.

Abstract: In an optical communication network that includes a plurality of interconnected network nodes, a method includes storing in each network node, and for each communication channel that traverses the node, one or more impairment margins of respective impairments that affect the communication channel. A potential communication channel that traverses a subset of the nodes in the network is identified. A quality of the potential communication channel is evaluated by processing the impairment margins stored in the nodes in the subset.

Abstract: In an optical communication network that includes a plurality of interconnected network nodes, a method includes storing in each network node one or more cross-talk margins of respective communication channels that traverse the node. A potential communication channel that traverses a subset of the nodes in the network is identified. A quality of the potential communication channel is evaluated by processing the cross-talk margins stored in the nodes in the subset.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for receiving a connection request at a first network node configured to request a connection from the first network node to a second network node. At the first network node, it is determined if a path to the second network node without an optical regenerator is available for the connection. In response to determining that a path without an optical regenerator is not available, a path to the second network node is determined that has a minimum number of optical regenerators. The connection is set up using the path with the minimum number of optical regenerators.

Abstract: Optical safety functions are incorporated into protection switching modules which maintain redundant pathways to avoid interruptions in optical network connections. The optical safety functions which lower optical power levels upon interruptions of optical connections are effectively combined with protection switching procedures which are also triggered by interruptions in optical network connections. The interoperation of protection and safety processes keep optical power levels below hazardous levels at system points which might be accessible to human operators.

Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a method may include receiving a resource request for optical resources within a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical network; comparing one or more parameters of the resource request to a list of pre-validated paths for the WDM optical network, each pre-validated path identifying an optically feasible label switched path between a source node and a destination node; determining that there is a pre-validated path on the list that matches the one or more parameters of the optical resource request; and sending a message to request a reservation of resources along the matching pre-validated path.

Abstract: An interface between a network component and an optical fiber section communicates with a remote interface and a remote network component at an opposite end of the optical fiber section through over-modulation of optical signals sent between the interfaces and network components. The over-modulation is at frequencies much lower than the ordinary modulation of the optical signals. The over-modulation allows communication between the interfaces for performing management, testing and maintenance operations and permits superior detection of faults in the optical fiber section.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for receiving a connection request at a first network node configured to request a connection from the first network node to a second network node. At the first network node, it is determined if a path to the second network node without an optical regenerator is available for the connection. In response to determining that a path without an optical regenerator is not available, a path to the second network node is determined that has a minimum number of optical regenerators. The connection is set up using the path with the minimum number of optical regenerators.

Abstract: Various example embodiments are disclosed. According to an example embodiment, a method may include receiving a resource request for optical resources within a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical network; comparing one or more parameters of the resource request to a list of pre-validated paths for the WDM optical network, each pre-validated path identifying an optically feasible label switched path between a source node and a destination node; determining that there is a pre-validated path on the list that matches the one or more parameters of the optical resource request; and sending a message to request a reservation of resources along the matching pre-validated path.

Abstract: An interface between a network component and an optical fiber section communicates with a remote interface and a remote network component at an opposite end of the optical fiber section through over-modulation of optical signals sent between the interfaces and network components. The over-modulation is at frequencies much lower than the ordinary modulation of the optical signals. The over-modulation allows communication between the interfaces for performing management, testing and maintenance operations and permits superior detection of faults in the optical fiber section.

Abstract: In an optical communication network that includes a plurality of interconnected network nodes, a method includes storing in each network node one or more cross-talk margins of respective communication channels that traverse the node. A potential communication channel that traverses a subset of the nodes in the network is identified. A quality of the potential communication channel is evaluated by processing the cross-talk margins stored in the nodes in the subset.

Abstract: In an optical communication network that includes a plurality of interconnected network nodes, a method includes storing in each network node, and for each communication channel that traverses the node, one or more impairment margins of respective impairments that affect the communication channel. A potential communication channel that traverses a subset of the nodes in the network is identified. A quality of the potential communication channel is evaluated by processing the impairment margins stored in the nodes in the subset.

Abstract: Optical safety functions are incorporated into protection switching modules which maintain redundant pathways to avoid interruptions in optical network connections. The optical safety functions which lower optical power levels upon interruptions of optical connections are effectively combined with protection switching procedures which are also triggered by interruptions in optical network connections. The interoperation of protection and safety processes keep optical power levels below hazardous levels at system points which might be accessible to human operators.