Abstract: In a dense wavelength division multiplexed optical network, an upgradeable, modular, colorless, directionless, reconfigurable add/drop multiplexer having a small form factor. By using wavelength selective switches and couplers, the above features are achieved without the need for photonic cross connects.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optical signal grooming that include providing one or more input signals, each having one or more modulated subcarriers, to a grooming processor; and grooming the input signals at a subcarrier level with the grooming processor to produce one or more output signals by arranging the modulated subcarriers in the output signals according to a grooming operation such that the modulated subcarriers are not demodulated or decoded prior to grooming.

Abstract: A method for optical layer traffic grooming includes receiving at least two optical input signals into respective optical receivers, each optical receiver having a photodetector for converting the respective optical input signal into a respective electrical signal; a grooming processor responsive to the electrical signals, the grooming processor being a radio frequency RF processor for processing the electrical signals at a subcarrier level to produce an RF orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal OFDM signal; and modulating the groomed RF OFDM signal at a transmitter for conversion of the groomed RF OFDM into an optical signal.

Abstract: There is provided a method in a wavelength convertible flexible optical wavelength-division multiplexing (WC-FWDM) network. The network has a plurality of optical nodes interconnected by a plurality of optical fibers. The network is for providing an overall spectrum divisible into a set of consecutive wavelength slots. At least one optical node has at least one wavelength converter for wavelength conversion. The method includes determining a channel route through the network commencing at a source node and ceasing at a destination node. The determined channel route is selectively tunable responsive to selected ones of a plurality of routing methods. The routing methods are so selected responsive to a routing policy having one or more objectives of minimization of channel blocking, minimization of a number of wavelength converters used in the network, and minimization of physical distance traversed by a channel, and minimization of operating wavelengths of a channel.

Abstract: ROADM node systems and methods of operation are disclosed. ROADM node systems may include transponder aggregators including transponders to add signals for switching through the ROADM node. The transponder aggregators include optical couplers constrained that are from coupling added signals on adjacent channels for simultaneous use. The ROADM system may include an optical interleaver that can provide an additional filtering function for the coupled signals prior to transmission of the signals on a WDM network.

Abstract: An optical receiver system is disclosed. The system includes a local oscillator, a mixer and a processor. The local oscillator is configured to generate a laser signal to indicate a selection of one of a plurality of channels. In addition, the mixer is configured to receive signals on the plurality of channels and to utilize the laser signal to distinguish the signal on the selected channel. Further, the processor is configured to maximize a power level difference between the laser signal and at least one of the plurality of channels based on a total number of the plurality of channels by adjusting the power of the laser signal input to the mixer to limit a noise penalty in the receiver system.

Abstract: ROADM node systems and methods of operation are disclosed. ROADM node systems may include transponder aggregators including transponders to add signals for switching through the ROADM node. The transponder aggregators may be constrained from adding signals on adjacent channels for simultaneous use. Further, the transponder aggregators may include an optical coupler in lieu of an optical multiplexer. The ROADM system may include a set of wavelength selective switches associated with output ports that can provide an additional filtering function for the added signals prior to transmission on a WDM network.

Abstract: In a dense wavelength division multiplexed optical network, an upgradeable, modular, colorless, directionless, reconfigurable add/drop multiplexer having a small form factor. By using wavelength selective switches and couplers, the above features are achieved without the need for photonic cross connects.

Abstract: A communication system management interface includes a control master; and one or more slaves under management by the control master; wherein each device, either the control master or slave, has at least an input signal connected to an output signal of another device to form a daisy-chain.