Patents by Inventor Keith A. Condict

Keith A. Condict has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7039312
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a distributed intelligence fiber-optic communication network in which node control processors (NCPs) associated with each network element periodically transmit identification and status information to the other NCPs in the network. Various faults in the network can thus be readily identified, and appropriate tasks for modifying the network in response to the fault (such as rerouting around a defective network element) can be carried out. Further, information continues to be distributed among the NCPs even if a break occurs in a segment of fiber in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Ciena Corp
    Inventors: Keith A. Condict, Stephen R. Harmon, Wesley R. Jones, Michael B. Peters-Rodbell
  • Patent number: 6850708
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a distributed intelligence fiber-optic communication network in which node control processors (NCPs) associated with each network element periodically transmit identification and status information to the other NCPs in the network. Various faults in the network can thus be readily identified, and appropriate tasks for modifying the network in response to the fault (such as rerouting around a defective network element) can be carried out. Further, information continues to be distributed among the NCPs even if a break occurs in a segment of fiber in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Condict, Stephen R. Harmon, Wesley R. Jones, Michael B. Peters-Rodbell
  • Patent number: 6701356
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic downloading and updating of network element software profile files (SPF's) and network element module software images. Embodiments of the invention provide a software routine and system which is executable through the network management system. The utilization of the software routine allows for updating SPF's and software images in the NCP and other modules within the network, while minimizing the interruptions in the data flow. This is accomplished by utilizing a primary and secondary SPF. The updated profile is downloaded as the secondary SPF and secondary images are reconciled with the new secondary SPF. This same operation is then performed with other modules in the network. Upon reconciliation of SPF and software images, the secondary SPF and software images are switched with the primary SPF and software images within the NCP and modules, thereby updating the entire system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Condict, James B. Wensink
  • Publication number: 20010035993
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a distributed intelligence fiber-optic communication network in which node control processors (NCPs) associated with each network element periodically transmit identification and status information to the other NCPs in the network. Various faults in the network can thus be readily identified, and appropriate tasks for modifying the network in response to the fault (such as rerouting around a defective network element) can be carried out. Further, information continues to be distributed among the NCPs even if a break occurs in a segment of fiber in the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Keith A. Condict, Stephen R. Harmon, Wesley R. Jones, Michael B. Peters-Rodbell
  • Patent number: 6163392
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a distributed intelligence fiber-optic communication network in which node control processors (NCPs) associated with each network element periodically transmit identification and status information to the other NCPs in the network. Various faults in the network can thus be readily identified, and appropriate tasks for modifying the network in response to the fault (such as rerouting around a defective network element) can be carried out. Further, information continues to be distributed among the NCPs even if a break occurs in a segment of fiber in the network.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Assignee: Ciena Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Condict, Stephen R. Harmon, Wesley R. Jones, Michael B. Peters-Rodbell
  • Patent number: 5978115
    Abstract: A network communication system comprising an optical communication path and a plurality of network elements disposed along the optical communication path. A first network element coupled to the optical communication path includes a first processor and a first optical component. The status of the first optical component being monitored by the first processor. The first processor generates a first electrical signal in accordance with the status of the first optical component. The first network element also includes a service channel transmitter coupled to the first processor and emits a second optical signal to the optical communication path at a second wavelength different than the first plurality of wavelengths in response to the first electrical signal. The second optical signal being modulated in accordance with the second electrical signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: CIENA Corporation
    Inventors: Keith A. Condict, Stephen R. Harmon, Wesley R. Jones, Michael B. Peters-Rodbell