Abstract: A reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer core device includes a light distributor, a light combiner, and first and second sets of add and drop ports. The light distributor is configured to receive an optical signal along a primary input of the reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer core device and to distribute the received optical signal along a plurality of subtending outputs. The light combiner is configured to receive optical signals along a plurality of subtending inputs, to combine the received optical signals into a combined signal, and to output the combined signal. The add and drop ports in the first set function as add and drop ports, respectively, and the add and drop ports in the second set function as both add and drop ports, respectively, and as express ports connectable to another reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer core device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for venting an enclosure, such as a chassis housing electronic equipment. The method includes receiving, at least one air directing surface, airflow moving in a first direction, the at least one air directing surface being disposed externally from the chassis at a predetermined placement relative to the at least one ventilation surface in a path of the airflow. The at least one air directing surface has a configuration to alter the direction of the airflow between the air directing surface and the at least one ventilation surface. The method also includes redirecting the airflow between the at least one air directing surface and the at least one ventilation surface to at least a second direction using the air directing surface.

Abstract: A method of configuring a rack-mountable chassis is provided. The method includes measuring a length and width of a card module slot of the chassis, a first opening width of a first rack for housing the chassis, and a second opening width of a second rack for housing the chassis, where the first opening width is greater than the second opening width. The method also includes verifying whether the first opening width is sufficiently wide to allow enough clearance between at least one side of the chassis and the first rack when the chassis is disposed in the first rack, to allow for the adequate cooling of housed components. If the first opening width is sufficiently wide, a dimension of at least one parameter related to the configuration of the chassis is determined so that the second opening width is a multiple of a total chassis width of the chassis. A chassis configured according to the method is provided.

Abstract: A cable tray is provided comprising a housing defining an interior portion, the housing having at least one positioned opening formed therein and also having plural, open ends in communication with the interior portion and the at least one positioned opening for passage of at least one cable therethrough. The housing is adapted to be coupled to at least one external surface, such that at least one of the plural, open ends substantially aligns with at least one open end of a housing of at least one further cable tray.

Abstract: A method of providing dispersion compensation includes providing a dispersion signal indicative of an amount of dispersion for at least one channel of a multi-channel optical signal. A dispersion compensator is controlled in accordance with the dispersion signal to optically compensate for the dispersion of the optical signal.

Abstract: An optical node includes a reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer (ROADM) core configured to transmit optical signals of multiple-wavelengths to and receive optical signals of multiple-wavelengths from another optical node via a network interface, and to add optical signals thereto and to drop optical signals therefrom. The node also includes two of a colorless optical add/drop device, a colored optical add/drop device, and a spur optical device configured to receive signals from the network interface and output the received signals from a spur interface, to add signals that are output from the spur interface without passing through the network interface, to receive signals from the spur interface and transmit the received signals to the ROADM core and the network interface, and to receive signals from the spur interface and drop the received signals without passing through the network interface.

Abstract: An optical node includes a reconfigurable optical add drop multiplexer (ROADM) core configured to transmit optical signals of multiple wavelengths to and receive optical signals of multiple wavelengths from another optical node. The ROADM core is also configured to add optical signals thereto and to drop optical signals therefrom. The node also includes two different types of add-on devices, each connected to the ROADM core device and configured to process optical signals of multiple wavelengths. As a result, a multifunctional and reconfigurable optical node can be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing an optical signal includes a system optics card including an add filter, a drop filter, electrical backplane connector, and a mechanical front panel including express input and output ports providing channels to other system optics cards. The card transports information over a first optical transport link and receives information over a second optical transport link. The card identifies at least one network channel on the second optical transport link destined for a client device. The drop filter delivers the identified network channel to the optical converter card for delivery to the client device. The add filter receives client channels from the optical converter card generated by the client device. The card also transports the client channels of the client device over the first optical transport link. The electrical backplane connector is connectable to a chassis for housing the system optics cards and other system optics cards and/or other optics cards.

Abstract: A chromatic dispersion compensation system for an optical transmission system incorporates circuitry which determines the length of an optical fiber extending between an output amplifier and an input amplifier. Based on fiber type, the total chromatic dispersion on the fiber is determined. Compensation can then be automatically implemented.

Abstract: A method of providing dispersion compensation includes providing a dispersion signal indicative of an amount of dispersion for at least one channel of a multi-channel optical signal. A dispersion compensator is controlled in accordance with the dispersion signal to optically compensate for the dispersion of the optical signal.