Abstract: A node management architecture for use at an optical switch/node in an optical communications network. A software task is provided for managing each line card according to a type of the line card. The architecture may identify the line card type, and assign a corresponding software task to manage it. To avoid delays, unassigned software tasks may be created ahead of time for managing line cards that are later installed at the optical switch. Furthermore, different types of software tasks are provided for managing corresponding different types of line cards, while software tasks that manage the same type of line card may be organized as an array of the same type. Moreover, the software tasks may act as an intermediary between the line card managers and other software processes at the node manager, such as a database manager, alarms manager, or optical cross-connect manager.

Abstract: A Line Card Manager (LCM) and Node Manager architecture for use at an optical switch in an optical communications network. LCMs are provided for managing different line cards at the switch, and a Node Manager at the switch manages the LCMs. The Node Manager and LCMs exchange messages using a message-passing interface. The messages may include, e.g., read messages that enable the node manager to retrieve monitored parameter values that the LCM receives from its line card, write messages that enable the node manager to write provisioning data to the LCM, alarm messages that allow the LCMs to report alarm conditions to the node manager, an audit message that enables the node manager to verify a presence of the line card at the optical switch, and discovery messages that allow a LCM to announce its presence to the node manager, e.g., after rebooting.

Abstract: A Line Card Manager (LCM) architecture for use at an optical switch in an optical communications network. A LCM with a dedicated processor is provided for different line cards at the switch. The LCM includes a first interface, such as a connector to the line card, for receiving monitored parameters from the line card, and a processor that executes software for determining when an event such as a fault should be set, e.g., when a monitored parameter is out of range. The LCM has a second interface to a local area network at the switch for reporting the event to a Node Manager, which manages the LCM. The LCM is preferably a removable plug-in module of the line card to allow easy upgrades and maintenance. The LCM includes generic software for managing different types of line cards.