Abstract: A method and system for changing the extent of data plane resources controlled by a control plane for a network connection which spans a contiguous set of nodes controlled by existing network control resources is disclosed. This is done in a non-disruptive manner. This typically involves two steps: i) Creating a new set of control plane resources for said network connection such that said data plane resources are shared with said existing network control resources; and ii) then terminating the existing network control resources such that said data plane resources are fully transferred to the new set of control plane resources without disrupting said network connection. The existing network control resources can be either a control plane resource or a non control plane resource. An example of a non control plane resource is network management software (e.g., an OSS (Operation Support System)), which forms part of the Management Plane.

Abstract: A method and system for changing the extent of data plane resources controlled by a control plane for a network connection which spans a contiguous set of nodes controlled by existing network control resources is disclosed. This is done in a non-disruptive manner. This typically involves two steps: i) Creating a new set of control plane resources for said network connection such that said data plane resources are shared with said existing network control resources; and ii) then terminating the existing network control resources such that said data plane resources are fully transferred to the new set of control plane resources without disrupting said network connection. The existing network control resources can be either a control plane resource or a non control plane resource. An example of a non control plane resource is network management software (e.g., an OSS (Operation Support System)), which forms part of the Management Plane.

Abstract: A call setup and restoration schema is disclosed for providing an improved priority-based call setup and restoration schema in an optical communications system, allowing higher priority connections access to bandwidth by user-definable parameters. The call setup and restoration schema includes allowing higher priority connections to claim the resources of lower priority connections, and restoring them when bandwidth is available, or bumping another, even lower priority, connections. This aids in providing access to bandwidth by high priority services and in preventing outages or connection delays for high priority connections.

Abstract: A method and system for changing the extent of data plane resources controlled by a control plane for a network connection which spans a contiguous set of nodes controlled by existing network control resources is disclosed. This is done in a non-disruptive manner. This typically involves two steps: i) Creating a new set of control plane resources for said network connection such that said data plane resources are shared with said existing network control resources; and ii) then terminating the existing network control resources such that said data plane resources are fully transferred to the new set of control plane resources without disrupting said network connection. The existing network control resources can be either a control plane resource or a non control plane resource. An example of a non control plane resource is network management software (e.g., an OSS (Operation Support System)), which forms part of the Management Plane.

Abstract: A method of creating/terminating a connection associated with an end-to-end path defined through a communications network. According to the invention, cross-connection download/undownload processes in each intermediate node of the end-to-end path are triggered substantially in parallel. A confirmation message indicative of successful completion of respective download/undownload processes in each intermediate node is subsequently propagated to an end-node of the path.

Abstract: Commands are shown and described that enable a user to manipulate a call connection for the purpose of maintaining links in a network. The Block command prevents new traffic from being added to an output port of a device in a connection. The Forced Restoration/Release of Forced Restoration command set may be used to service the working channel. The Lockout of Restoration/Release of Lockout commands provide an alternative method of servicing a working connection and preventing unnecessary generation of redundant connections in the network.

Abstract: A method and system for changing the extent of data plane resources controlled by a control plane for a network connection which spans a contiguous set of nodes controlled by existing network control resources is disclosed. This is done in a non-disruptive manner. This typically involves two steps: i) Creating a new set of control plane resources for said network connection such that said data plane resources are shared with said existing network control resources; and ii) then terminating the existing network control resources such that said data plane resources are fully transferred to the new set of control plane resources without disrupting said network connection. The existing network control resources can be either a control plane resource or a non control plane resource. An example of a non control plane resource is network management software (e.g., an OSS (Operation Support System)), which forms part of the Management Plane.