Abstract: A method of transmitting packet traffic between first and second network nodes in a shared protection optical transmission network, the method comprising defining first and second traffic paths between said nodes, at least one of said paths being a shared protection path, and allocating traffic along said paths utilising link aggregation.

Abstract: The integrated photonic switch can be used in all-optical networks. incoming multiplexed signals from a number of input fiber ports are separated into their component wavelengths. Individual wavelengths are switched within the switch fabric towards the desired output, and the wavelengths are then multiplexed into WDM signals directed to the appropriate output ports. The multiplexer and demultiplexer are diffraction grating devices, integrated with the switch fabric. The switch fabric includes two matrices of 3-D MEMS mirrors arranged in the same plane, or in two parallel planes. The optical path between the input ports, the demultiplexer and the input matrix is pre-set so that each wavelength is incident on a certain mirror. Similarly, the geometry of the output matrix, the multiplexer and the output ports determines uniquely the wavelengths on a certain port.

Abstract: In a WDM network, a plurality of the channels are grouped together to form a packet. The format of one of the channels within the packet includes a packet header for providing routing or forwarding information for data on all of the channels of the group. The packet is routed or forwarded by a single port of a switching device in the nodes. This reduces usage of the ports of the switching device, and the invention enables an increase in the data transfer rate without altering the line equipment, as the individual channels still carry data at the same rate.

Abstract: An optical switch comprising two segments at least partially separated by a surface that is partially reflective and partially transmissive to the optical signals being switched, each segment having at least one optical input and at least one optical output, the segments being arranged such that an optical signal can be switched from said input to said output by reflection from said surface, with the optical signal that is generated by transmission through said surface being directed to an output of the other segment.

Abstract: An optical switch comprising two segments at least partially separated by a surface that is partially reflective and partially transmissive to the optical signals being switched, each segment having at least one optical input and at least one optical output, the segments being arranged such that an optical signal can be switched from said input to said output by reflection from said surface, with the optical signal that is generated by transmission through said surface being directed to an output of the other segment.

Abstract: A method of transmitting packet traffic between first and second network nodes in a shared protection optical transmission network, the method comprising defining first and second traffic paths between said nodes, at least one of said paths being a shared protection path, and allocating traffic along said paths utilising link aggregation.

Abstract: An optical switch comprising at least two segments, each segment having a respective input and a respective output, arranged such that in use if a first segment is removed, a second segment can operate as a pass-through device.