Abstract: A method for providing a storage area network includes receiving, at a data storage node, data from a number of storage area network (SAN) servers via associated local nodes coupled to a optical network. The data is received at a plurality of transmitting wavelengths, where each local node is assigned a different transmitting wavelength. The method also includes storing the received data at the data storage node and sending acknowledgement messages to SAN servers to indicate receipt of the data. The acknowledgement messages are sent via the local nodes at a single receiving wavelength and each local node is configured to receive this receiving wavelength. The method may also include receiving, at the data storage node, a request for data stored at the data storage node from any of SAN servers via the associated local node at the assigned transmitting wavelength of the associated local node.

Abstract: A method for automatically setting a gain for an amplifier in an optical network includes transmitting, from a source proximate an upstream amplifier coupled to an optical span, a stable signal over the optical span. The method also includes using the stable signal at a downstream amplifier coupled to the optical span to automatically set a gain of the downstream amplifier.

Abstract: A method for optical supervisory signaling includes determining a wavelength channel status (WCS) value, a wavelength channel failure (WCF) value, and a wavelength channel lit (WCL) value for each one of multiple data channels services by an optical communication node. The method further includes communicating the values to a second optical communication node.

Abstract: A node for an optical network includes a demultiplexer operable to separate an ingress wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signal into a plurality of ingress channels. An ingress amplifier array is coupled to the demultiplexer and includes a plurality of channel amplifiers. The channel amplifiers are each operable to independently amplify one of the ingress channels while maintaining a channel power variation between the channels within an operational limit of the network.

Abstract: A method for protection switching includes receiving an optical signal from a transponder coupled to a client and optically splitting the signal to a first output and a second output. The first output is coupled by a first optical add-drop multiplexer to a first optical fiber, and the second output is coupled by a second add-drop multiplexer to a second fiber. The method further includes selecting one of the output signals for the working channel, and communicating the selected output signal to an optical network. During communication of the selected output signal to the optical network, the method includes monitoring for a failure condition in the optical network and, if the failure condition is detected, selecting the other output signal as the working channel and communicating the new selected output signal.

Abstract: A bit line selector switch is serially connected with a data sink for detecting high speed data transmissions, typically in the gigabit-per-second range, and a backplane having a plurality of data lines. The selector switch incorporates a selector circuit that operates in one of two modes, a first “selected”, or ON, mode and a second “not selected”, or OFF, mode. The selector circuit includes one, preferably differential, input. In one embodiment, a selector switch has a plurality of selector circuits thus allowing the switch to operate in both modes simultaneously. Data coupled to a differential input of the selector circuit will, when operating in the “selected” or ON mode, transmit the data to the data sink which be, for example, a memory device, processor, or the like. In the “not selected” or OFF mode, the selector circuit will pass any data received to a positive supply rail.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting data over a printed circuit board such as a backplane for example, are provided. The printed circuit board has a number of primary tracks each connected to receive a data stream from a respective transmitter which may be located on a card connected to the printed circuit board for example. The data streams are offset in time with respect to one another such that rising edges and falling edges do not coincide with each other in time. The primary tracks are all coupled electromagnetically to a single coupling track at another location on the printed circuit board, and the coupling track is connected to a receiver which may be located on another card for example. The transmitted data streams are all coupled electromagnetically onto the coupling track with each rising edge of any of the data streams resulting in a positive pulse in a coupled signal, and each falling edge of any of the data streams resulting in a negative pulse in the coupled signal.