Abstract: A method, architecture and service of providing a multiple tiered pricing structure for providing a first service level to priority traffic where the priority traffic is protected via a 1:1 protection system, and a second service level for non-priority or extra traffic, wherein the extra traffic is normally propagated via the protection path, and is protected using a mesh restoration technique in the event of failure of the protection path or use of the protection path by the priority traffic.

Abstract: A decision engine decides whether to assign a service line to be active or in standby mode with a very simple decision logic that is based on a comparison between two numbers that are created through the setting of bits in two registers. The logic of the decision engine is embedded in a combination of a filter that either accepts or rejected applied stimuli, and a table that acts on accepted stimuli by the setting and resetting of bits in the two registers in accordance with a unique specification.

Abstract: A switching algorithm, a signaling protocol, and a switching decision method having improved optical network switching features is described. In one embodiment, a local node, during a switch from the service channel to the protection channel, propagates a switching signal to a remote node before the local node has finished switching from the service channel to the protection channel. The remote node, in response to the received switching signal, begins switching from the service channel to the protection channel and transmits a signal back to the local node before the remote node has finished switching from the service channel to the protection channel.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for receiving, from a first communication channel utilizing a first protocol, a data structure adapted to the first protocol including condition indicative data, copying the condition indicative data to a non-transient position of a data structure adapted to a second protocol, and transmitting the second data structure via a second communication channel utilizing the second protocol.

Abstract: A method, architecture and service of providing a multiple tiered pricing structure for providing a first service level to priority traffic where the priority traffic is protected via a 1:1 protection system, and a second service level for non-priority or extra traffic, wherein the extra traffic is normally propagated via the protection path, and is protected using a mesh restoration technique in the event of failure of the protection path or use of the protection path by the priority traffic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus implementing a “1+1” protection scheme using two interface cards (transmitter and receiver) having a mathematically provable uptime rate.

Abstract: An arrangement having a service fiber and a protection fiber connected to different I/O modules that are connected to an ATM switch. The switching functions necessary for achieving protection are realized through cooperation between the CPUs on the I/O modules of the service and the protection lines and the ATM switch fabric. The line selected has its frame buffer open, while the line in the standby mode has its frame buffer closed. In the other direction, traffic is multi-cast onto both the service and the protection lines by the ATM processing unit. In this manner, the protection fiber always contains information, ready to be switched from standby mode into active mode.