Abstract: A node within a mesh network includes an Optical Connection Controller (OCC) and a network element. When a connection path within the mesh network is required, an OCC determines if a particular connection path requires a network element to operate as a virtual gateway to separate the mesh network into separate protection domains for that particular connection path. A connection path might require separate protection domains in cases in which the number of network elements and/or repeater/amplifier components for a particular connection path is greater than a threshold, the total length of links for the connection path is above a threshold and/or another factor that could cause the recovery time for the connection path to increase beyond an acceptable threshold level. If the OCC determines that one or more virtual gateways are required for a particular connection path, the OCC selects an appropriate network element within the network to operate as a virtual gateway for that particular connection path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slot identification strategy for an optical cross-connect platform which facilitates replacement or repair of field replaceable units by a servicing technician. The slot identification strategy is comprised of three components: (a) functional group naming; (b) functional group numbering; and (c) functional group colour coding. Like components are placed together in functional groups and given alpha, numeric and colour labels to ensure minimal errors when identifying and removing a specified field replaceable unit in need of servicing. In an environment which cannot tolerate errors, the identification strategy integral to the present invention maximizes a human's ability to perceive colours and alpha-numeric labels, thereby allowing a technician to quickly and accurately locate a component on the cross-connect platform.

Abstract: A new architectural arrangement for network elements deployed in a central office (CO) is disclosed. The architectural arrangement involves dividing the network elements into an optical layer comprised of elements that have optical signal interfaces and switch optical signals, an opto-electrical layer comprised of elements that have optical signal interfaces and switch electrical signals, and an electrical layer comprised of elements that have electrical signal interfaces and switch electrical signals. The opto-electrical layer connects the optical and the electrical layer, and also connects lower-rate optical links into the CO. This layered architectural arrangement allows for more efficient use to be made of the small number of high-rate ports supported in the optical layer, and for the off loading of switching responsibility from both the optical and the electrical layers. This, in turn, improves the overall performance and capacity of the CO.