Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing an optical network using pilot tones are provided. One method includes selecting an optical path having a plurality of nodes from a database defining an expected optical network. A detected list of pilot tones associated with each node of the selected optical path is generated. An expected list of pilot tones associated with each node of the selected optical path is generated. The detected and expected lists are compared to identify any mismatched nodes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for managing an optical network using pilot tones are provided. One method includes generating a list of pilot tones contributed by a selected node to each of its target nodes. Network pilot tone sources are re-configured so that a pilot tone source of any optical path incorporating one of the target nodes has a value distinct from the listed pilot tones. The selected node can then be added to the network. Another method includes generating a list including all selected network nodes to be incorporated into a new optical path and nodes adjacent to the selected network nodes. Network pilot tone sources are re-configured until a pilot tone source associated with the new optical path has a pilot tone distinct from that of any listed node. The new optical path can then be added to the network.