Abstract: A regen node is described. The regen node includes a coherent receiver, a control module and a coherent transmitter. The coherent receiver has circuitry to convert a first optical signal received from an upstream node in an optical layer of an optical network to a first digital data stream in a digital layer having a first FEC frame and a data traffic. The control module extracts a first fault signal from the first FEC frame; generates a second fault signal based at least in part on the first fault signal; and encodes the second fault signal within a second FEC frame with the data traffic into a second digital data stream on the digital layer. The coherent transmitter has circuitry to convert the second digital data stream into a second optical signal on the optical layer and to transmit the second optical signal to a downstream node.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for restoring lost signal in a network transmission line are disclosed. A first optical signal transmitted from a first optical module is received at an optical switch, the first optical signal having a first optical spectrum with data encoded into the first optical signal. A second optical signal having a second optical spectrum corresponding to the first optical spectrum without data encoded into the second optical signal, is received at the optical switch, the second optical signal the second optical signal transmitted from an amplified spontaneous emission source. Detecting, at a first photo detector, a loss of optical spectrum in the first optical signal, and, in response to detecting the loss of optical spectrum in the first optical signal, switching the optical switch from passing the first optical signal to passing the second optical signal thereby supplying at least one idler carrier without data imposed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for restoring lost signal in a network transmission line are disclosed. A first optical signal transmitted from a first optical module is received at an optical switch, the first optical signal having a first optical spectrum with data encoded into the first optical signal. A second optical signal having a second optical spectrum corresponding to the first optical spectrum without data encoded into the second optical signal, is received at the optical switch, the second optical signal the second optical signal transmitted from an amplified spontaneous emission source. Detecting, at a first photo detector, a loss of optical spectrum in the first optical signal, and, in response to detecting the loss of optical spectrum in the first optical signal, switching the optical switch from passing the first optical signal to passing the second optical signal thereby supplying at least one idler carrier without data imposed.

Abstract: A regen node is described. The regen node includes a coherent receiver, a control module and a coherent transmitter. The coherent receiver has circuitry to convert a first optical signal received from an upstream node in an optical layer of an optical network to a first digital data stream in a digital layer having a first FEC frame and a data traffic. The control module extracts a first fault signal from the first FEC frame; generates a second fault signal based at least in part on the first fault signal; and encodes the second fault signal within a second FEC frame with the data traffic into a second digital data stream on the digital layer. The coherent transmitter has circuitry to convert the second digital data stream into a second optical signal on the optical layer and to transmit the second optical signal to a downstream node.

Abstract: Methods, nodes and control modules are disclosed. In the method, circuitry of a first node in a mesh network converts an optical layer in a working path between the first node and a second node, to a data stream in a digital layer. The working path carries data traffic from the first node to the second node in the optical layer of the mesh network when there is no failure in the working path. Circuitry of the first node in the mesh network detects a failure in the working path due to detection of an error in the data stream in the digital layer. The circuitry of the first node establishes, through transmission of at least one signal from the first node to the second node, a restoration path in the optical layer based on, at least in part, detection of the error in the data stream in the digital layer.