Abstract: Multicast transmission in an optical network includes receiving a primary token at a root node of the optical network authorizing the point-to-multipoint data transmission from the root node to a plurality of branch nodes of the optical network. It is determined whether the root node comprises a virtual output queue associated specifically with the branch nodes included on the point-to-multipoint transmission. The virtual output queue is created that is associated specifically with the branch nodes included in the point-to-multipoint transmission if it is determined the root node does not comprise such a queue. The data is placed in the virtual output queue for transmission to the branch nodes.

Abstract: A network includes multiple nodes interconnected to form a ring topology. These nodes support data transmissions over the network using tokens. To send and receive data over the network, nodes may process control messages. A node can receive a token authorizing transmission on one of multiple data channels, determine a transmission allocation, which represents an amount of time that the authorized data channel may be utilized to transmit data, and determine a destination allocation, which represents a proportion of the transmission allocation that may be utilized to transmit the data to a particular destination. The node can also transmit the data on the authorized data channel in accordance with the transmission allocation and the destination allocation.

Abstract: An optical node for optical burst transport includes optical components operable to transmit and receive optical signals over an optical transmission medium. The optical components include a demultiplexer that is operable to receive a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signal at an input port and to separate the WDM optical signal into two or more constituent wavelength signals, and a switching matrix that includes one or more electro-optic switches. Each electro-optic switch is operable to receive a wavelength signal and switch the signal to one of two outputs, and the outputs include an output port of the optical node and one or more drop output ports of the optical node.

Abstract: A network includes multiple nodes interconnected to form a ring topology. These nodes support data transmissions over the network using tokens. To send and receive data over the network, nodes may process control messages. A node can receive a token authorizing transmission on one of multiple data channels, generate a transmission control message identifying a destination node and the authorized data channel, and communicate the transmission control message for receipt by the destination node. The node can also transmit data on the authorized data channel after communicating the transmission control message and communicate the token to a next node.

Abstract: A network includes multiple nodes interconnected to form a mesh topology. These nodes support working paths for the transmission of data and protection paths to provide for recovery in the event of failures on working paths. To select protection paths, elements of the network consider timing constraints associated with failure recovery.

Abstract: A network includes multiple nodes interconnected to form a ring topology. These nodes support data transmissions over the network using tokens. To send and receive data over the network, nodes may process control messages. A node can receive a first token authorizing transmission on one of multiple data channels, generate a transmission control message identifying a destination node and the authorized data channel, and communicate the transmission control message to a next node. The node can also communicate a second token to the next node authorizing secondary transmissions on the authorized data channel, transmit data on the authorized data channel after communicating the transmission control message, and communicate the first token to the next node after communicating the second token to the next node.

Abstract: Multicast transmission in an optical network includes receiving a primary token at a root node of the optical network authorizing the point-to-multipoint data transmission from the root node to a plurality of branch nodes of the optical network. It is determined whether the root node comprises a virtual output queue associated specifically with the branch nodes included on the point-to-multipoint transmission. The virtual output queue is created that is associated specifically with the branch nodes included in the point-to-multipoint transmission if it is determined the root node does not comprise such a queue. The data is placed in the virtual output queue for transmission to the branch nodes.

Abstract: A predictive scheduling technique in a communication network having a plurality of nodes, the network utilizing tokens to authorize data burst transmissions between the plurality of nodes, includes receiving a control message from a first node at a second node, wherein the control message comprises information regarding a data burst transmission from the first node to the second node. The information in the control message is determined, and a position of the second node with respect to the first node is determined. A prediction algorithm is implemented to predict a token arrival time at the second node from the first node using the information in the control message and the position of the second node with respect to the first node.

Abstract: An optical node for optical burst transport includes optical components operable to transmit and receive optical signals over an optical transmission medium. The optical components include a demultiplexer that is operable to receive a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signal at an input port and to separate the WDM optical signal into two or more constituent wavelength signals, and a switching matrix that includes one or more electro-optic switches. Each electro-optic switch is operable to receive a wavelength signal and switch the signal to one of two outputs, and the outputs include an output port of the optical node and one or more drop output ports of the optical node.