Abstract: A method and system for provisioning a Resilient Packet Ring (“RPR”) over a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (“WDM”) network is disclosed. A plurality of stations send data packets to each other over a dual ring fiber optic link. The data packets travel over the dual ring fiber optic link at a unique wavelength to distinguish the different data packets. When one station of the plurality of stations detects a location of a failure in the WDM network, the station identifying the location of the failure either notifies all stations of the plurality of stations of the location of the failure or notifies only the stations of the plurality of stations abutting the location of the failure. If all stations of the plurality of stations are notified of the failure, all stations steer data packets sent towards the location of the failure away from the location of the failure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring a communication link between a first apparatus and a second apparatus, the method comprising receiving concurrently from the first apparatus (e.g., a central office) at the second apparatus (e.g., an optical demarcation point at a customer premises) a communication signal at a communication wavelength, ?1 and a test signal at a test wavelength ?t, permanently separating the test signal from the communication signal at the second apparatus and sending to the first apparatus on a return path between the first apparatus and the second apparatus a signal indicating whether the test signal was received at the second apparatus. An apparatus is disclosed including an interface for receiving concurrently the communication signal and the test signal, a filter for permanently separating the test signal from the communication signal and a coupler for permanently placing a signal on a return path.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring a communication link between a first apparatus and a second apparatus, the method comprising receiving concurrently from the first apparatus (e.g., a central office) at the second apparatus (e.g., an optical demarcation point at a customer premises) a communication signal at a communication wavelength, ?1 and a test signal at a test wavelength ?t, permanently separating the test signal from the communication signal at the second apparatus and sending to the first apparatus on a return path between the first apparatus and the second apparatus a signal indicating whether the test signal was received at the second apparatus. An apparatus is disclosed including an interface for receiving concurrently the communication signal and the test signal, a filter for permanently separating the test signal from the communication signal and a coupler for permanently placing a signal on a return path.