Abstract: A device detects a signal condition for a link aggregation group (LAG) link, compares the detected signal condition to a signal threshold range, and enables one of a disabled state or a disabled timer state for the LAG link if the detected signal condition is outside the signal threshold range.

Abstract: A device enables a disabled timer state for a link aggregation group (LAG) link if a disabled timer condition is determined for the LAG link, and enables a disabled state for the LAG link if a disabled condition is determined for the LAG link in the disabled timer state.

Abstract: A device stores a link aggregation group (LAG) media access control (MAC) address, and assigns the LAG MAC address to two or more links in the device to define a LAG. The LAG MAC address is distinct from physical MAC addresses of the links in the LAG.

Abstract: A method and system of provisioning resources installed in a network element. Resources are installed in the network element. As resources are placed into service, a notification is transmitted to the vendor. The vendor generates an invoice, and the service provider generates a purchase order. Furthermore, a capacity planning system may monitor the system as resources are placed into service. If the amount of spare resources fall below a predetermined limit, the capacity planning system may transmit a request to the vendor for the additional equipment. In this manner, resources may be installed prior to the actual need for the resources. The resources may then be paid for by the service provider as the resources are needed and placed into service, thereby enabling a risk-sharing arrangement between the service provider and the vendor.

Abstract: An approach for providing transmission level control in an optical network having an amplifier chain is disclosed. An optical communications system includes a gateway network element configured to receive an amplifier requirement from a host. The system also includes a network element communicating with the gateway network element over an optical amplifier chain, the network element being configured to receive the amplifier requirement from the gateway network element, and to adjust transmission power level in response to the amplifier requirement (e.g., error rate information including Signal-to-Noise (S/N) ratio, bit error rate (BER), and/or Quality (Q) value).

Abstract: An approach for performing measurements on an optical network is disclosed. A network management system is coupled to an optical channel (e.g., an Optical Service Channel (OSC)) that is designated to carry control information. The network management system monitors the optical network by examining transmission power of a signal carried over the optical network, and detects a change in the transmission power of the signal. A blanking circuit disables transmission of control information over an optical channel of the optical network. A test signal is transmitted over the optical channel and characteristics of a return signal corresponding to the test signal is captured, wherein the distance to a fault location along the optical network is determined based on characteristics of the return signal.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring network elements. A routing network enables one or more controllers to connect to any network element within a service provider's network via craft interface ports. The controllers are controlled by the service provider and configure network elements according to data in a service provider database.