Abstract: An example embodiment of the present invention is a non-blocking wavelength switching architecture that enables graceful scaling of a network wavelength switching node from small to large fiber counts using fixed size bidirectional 1×N Wavelength Selective Switches (WSS). The architecture uses an intermediate broadcast and select layer implemented using optical splitters and WSSs to eliminate wavelength blocking.

Abstract: A signaling control method for service establishment based on G.709 is provided in the present invention, including: a control plane obtaining routing information of an end-to-end service to be established, information of a gateway network element passed by end-to-end service routing and a multi stage multiplexing capability selected for the gateway network element, initiating an end-to-end connection establishment process, and sending an end-to-end connection establishment signaling to nodes passed by the end-to-end service routing, wherein, the end-to-end connection establishment signaling contains the multi stage multiplexing capability selected for the gateway network element passed by the end-to-end service routing, and a corresponding multi stage multiplexing capability is configured on the gateway network element. A signaling control system for service establishment based on G.709 is also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and device for obtaining the routing information of an electro-optical multi-layer network. The ports on which an optical transmitter and an optical receiver are located are determined, and the electro-optical conversion information is added to the routing information on a port of the optical layer node side or the electro layer node side on which the optical transmitter and the optical receiver are located. The electro-optical conversion information includes but is not limited to the wavelength tuning capability and signal processing capability.

Abstract: A drop terminal mounting system includes a fiber drop terminal having a housing and a base attached to the housing. The housing includes an outer surface containing a plurality of receptacles and cooperatively defines an inner cavity with the base. The drop terminal mounting system further includes a bracket having a first fastening region and a second fastening region adapted to secure the drop terminal to the bracket.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for run-time reassignment of the interconnection between devices pertaining to a Physical (PHY) layer and devices pertaining to a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, with no packet loss or with at most one packet lost are provided. The strategies employed by these devices, systems and methods used REMOTE FAULT, PAUSE and IDLE PATTERN messages. The devices may be interconnected via a reconfigurable optical crossbar.

Abstract: A photonic network includes a plurality of nodes each supporting add and drop of at least Y wavelengths, a plurality of optical links interconnecting the plurality of nodes, the plurality of optical links support up to X wavelengths and Y?X, an optical routing protocol configured to compute a loop-free path through the plurality of nodes on the plurality of links, the loop-free path is computed for one of the X wavelengths or a group of the X wavelengths using routing constructs adapted to a photonic domain, and optical components at each of the plurality of nodes configured to selectively block at least one of the X wavelengths based on the computed loop-free path. A photonic routing method and photonic node are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating radio frequency (RF) signal propagation characteristics in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first RF terminal and a second RF terminal. A first optical modulator is in electrical communication with the first RF terminal. An optical delay line is in optical communication with the first optical modulator. A first optical demodulator is in optical communication with the optical delay line and in electrical communication with the first RF terminal. A second optical demodulator is in optical communication with the optical delay line and in electrical communication with the second RF terminal. A second optical modulator is in electrical communication with the second RF terminal and in optical communication with the optical delay line.

Abstract: A G.709 based multi-stage multiplexing routing control method is provided in the present invention, which includes that: the multi-stage multiplexing capability of the gateway network element is carried in a link state advertisement data packet, and the multi-stage multiplexing capability of the gateway network element is advertised to a routing domain in which the gateway network element is located or a path computation entity through a routing protocol. A gateway network element is also provided in the present invention, the gateway network element is configured to: carry the multi-stage multiplexing capability of the gateway network element in the link state advertisement data packet, and advertise the multi-stage multiplexing capability of the gateway network element to the routing domain in which the gateway network element is located or the path computation entity through the routing protocol. With the above G.

Abstract: A segmented optical node exploits a configuration module having arrayed all elements to go from a 1×4 to a 4×4 configuration, save optional redundant switches. A jumper board in the 1×, 2× path configures the node for 1×4 in one orientation and for 2×4 when flipped around 180 degrees. The 4×4 configuration is achieved by rotating the configuration module 90 degrees. In this orientation power to the module is also off, since the 4× configuration is passive.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of data flows is classified as having a respective data flow type, and each data flow is assigned to one of a plurality of subcarrier groups, based on the data flow's type, wherein each subcarrier group comprises a respective plurality of subcarriers. First data flows assigned to a first subcarrier group are transmitted exclusively on respective subcarriers in the first subcarrier group, and second data flows assigned to a second subcarrier group are transmitted together on all of the subcarriers in the second subcarrier group.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system includes one or more electrical switches to transfer data in a data network; one or more optical switching groups coupled to each electrical switch, each switching group having one or more server racks, each server rack coupled to a top of rack (TOR) switch and an optical transceiver coupled to the TOR switch; and an optical switching unit (OSU) coupled to the one or more optical switching groups.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and a method for colorless optical switching, where the device includes: a demultiplexer, configured to demultiplex the input multi-wavelength light into multiple beams of light with single wavelength; a first optical cross unit, configured to output the received multiple beams of light with single wavelength through target ports to an optical switch array; the optical switch array, configured to drop the light that needs to be dropped from multiple beams of light with single wavelength, receive the light added by the local node, and output the light that needs to pass in the multiple beams of light with single wavelength and the light added by the local node; and a combiner, configured to combine the light output by the optical switch array. The optical switch device and method provided in the embodiments of the present invention feature colorlessness, low insertion loss, and low costs.

Abstract: It is determined that service is to be disconnected for at least a first subscriber of a video content network employing at least one fiber optic cable. The service to the at least first subscriber is provided from a cross-connect cabinet, over the at least one fiber optic cable, to a premises of the at least first subscriber. Sufficient macro-bending loss is induced in the at least one fiber optic cable so as to cause a signal-to-noise ratio at the premises to degrade such that the service is disconnected. The macro-bending loss is induced in a portion of the at least one fiber optic cable which services only the first subscriber. The macro-bending loss can be induced, for example, by winding about a single mandrel, two mandrels in a figure eight pattern, in a tortuous groove in a tray, and so on.

Abstract: In an access network using optical switches, communications between an OLT and ONUs are established without a photoelectric conversion performed at an optical switching unit. The OLT controls the downlink optical switch SW(DOWN) to sequentially select each ONU in slots arranged in a discrete manner, and transmits a Discovery Gate message. Upon receipt of the Discovery Gate message, each ONU consecutively transmits Register Request messages. The uplink optical switch SW(UP) sequentially switch signals from ONU#1 through ONU#128 in the slots arranged in a discrete manner, and outputs the signals to the OLT, Some of the Register Requests transmitted from the respective ONUs pass through the SW(UP), and reach the OLT. Based on the received Register Requests, the OLT determines the timing of transmission for the ONUS, and notifies the ONUS of the timing of transmission through a Gate message.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system, apparatus and method to compute a route through a network having both digital nodes and optical express-thru nodes. According to various embodiments of the invention, a network topology is generated in which both digital nodes, optical express-thru nodes, and optical nodes are identified, and both physical and virtual links between these nodes are mapped. The network connectivity is identified, at least in part, by broadcasting a local link state advertisement and optical carrier group binding information to neighboring nodes, which enables both physical and virtual neighboring nodes to be identified. Once a topology is generated, both physical and virtual link characteristics are analyzed to ensure link diversity for traffic through the network and load balancing functionality across the network.

Abstract: A system for the accelerated re-provisioning of data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS) configuration files between a DOCSIS provisioning server and a plurality of network nodes that are configured according to the DOCSIS configuration files is provided.

Abstract: An approach is provided for integrating one or more fiber switches in a passive optical network. A platform generates a command signal to control a splitter hub of a passive optical network, the splitter hub being configured to communicate with a plurality of optical network terminals that respectively serve a plurality of customer premises. The splitter hub includes a fiber switch configured to provide switching between one of a plurality of input ports and one of a plurality of output ports of the splitter hub.

Abstract: A conventional edge device is constituted of a switching device and a transmission device. The switching device determines an ODU as an accommodation destination for an L2 packet from a client side device in accordance with an L2 ID, and outputs the L2 packet to an output port to which the ODU is associated. The transmission device receives an L2 packet through an input port corresponding to an output port of the switching device in a one-to-one manner, and performs transparent mapping on the corresponding ODU so as to output the signal by using an ODU connection.

Abstract: A transmission apparatus interconnects a core network for making a communication by forming a connection and a metro network for m a communication by adding an address to data and by executing a forwarding process. The transmission apparatus includes a function of transmitting the data to the connection of the core network, to which an address of the metro network is made to correspond, and transfers the data to the connection of the core network, which is made to correspond to the address added to the data received from the metro network.

Abstract: Transmission-side communication apparatus 100 using a DQPSK (differential quadrature phase-shift keying) scheme is provided with: optical carrier generation section 102 which generates an optical carrier the frequency of which switches among a plurality of different frequencies within one symbol period; and modulation section 103 with which DQPSK-modulates the optical carrier generated by the optical carrier generation means in accordance with a modulation signal at an interval of the symbol period. There are provided: single delay interference section 121 which receives an optical signal obtained by DQPSK-modulating an optical carrier the frequency of which switches among a plurality of different frequencies within one symbol period and outputs an output light obtained by causing the optical signal 104 and a delay optical signal thereof to interfere with each other; and photoelectric conversion section 124 which converts the output light outputted by the delay interference means to an electric signal.

Abstract: Leaf switches and spine switches in a Clos network are interconnected by optical fibers. The network enables large numbers of servers or other apparatus to communicate with each other with minimal delay and minimal power consumption.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an AFDX network which is extended by a passive optical network or PON. The AFDX network comprises an AFDX switch to which are connected a plurality of equipments. The AFDX switch constitutes the optical line termination and said equipments constitute the optical network terminations of the PON. The PON broadcasts over the downlink, to all said equipments, every AFDX frame output by said AFDX switch. It also multiplexes over the uplink the AFDX frames transmitted by the same equipments. The invention also concerns an ?AFDX network using a PON.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low power optical network terminal (ONT) and a method of operating the low power ONT. The low power ONT may include a network media access control (MAC) processing unit to transmit and receive traffic to and from an optical line terminal (OLT), a switching unit to receive the traffic transmitted from the network MAC processing unit and transmit the traffic to a subscriber terminal and to receive the traffic from the subscriber terminal and transmit the traffic to the OLT, and a control unit to control traffic transmission from the network MAC processing unit when a power mode is a low power mode.

Abstract: An in-line optical control device, method, and computer-readable medium for controlling bandwidth in a dry fiber line are provided herein. The in-line optical control device includes a splitter, an optical switch, and a processing device. The splitter may be configured to split an input signal. The optical switch may be configured to receive and selectively connect a first portion of the split input signal to the dry fiber line. The optical switch may thereby control a rate of data transmitted over the dry fiber line. The processing device may be configured to control the optical switch based on whether a characteristic of the input signal conforms to a predetermined limit using a second portion of the split input signal. The processing device may thereby control bandwidth in the dry fiber line.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a path computation element (PCE) configured to perform a path computation using signal compatibility constraints information for a network element (NE) in a wavelength switched optical network (WSON), wherein the signal constraints information are communicated at a Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) control plane layer and comprise a plurality of signal attributes and a plurality of NE compatibility constraints. A network component comprising a transmitter unit configured to transmit signal compatibility constraints via GMPLS signaling, wherein the signal compatibility constraints define the signal compatibility constraints for a NE in a WSON. A method comprising receiving signal compatibility constraints for a NE in a WSON, performing a path calculation based on the signal compatibility constraints for the NE, and sending signal compatibility constraints associated with a computed path.

Abstract: An optical network includes a multidimensional coder and modulator for handling multiple-in-multiple-out MIMO spatial lightpath properties and content of any specific supercarrier, a spatial mode multiplexer responsive to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing OFDM transmissions and the multidimensional coder, a spatial-spectral routing node coupled over a fiber link to the spatial mode multiplexer for performing switching granularity by a spatial mode reconnection, a multidimensional decoder and demodulator; and a spatial mode demultiplexer coupled over a fiber link to the spatial-spectral routing node and responsive to the multidimensional decoder and demodulator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching an optical data stream via an optical network node, capable of switching optical data received at input ports to output ports. The method includes the following steps performed by a processing chain upon detection of a stream at a given wavelength by a given input port: determining a resource of the node based on a predetermined routing policy such that, for a given wavelength common to source and destination nodes of the stream, routing within the network is carried out according to a routing tree covering the network, a root of the tree being the destination node; consulting an occupancy table for the resource, indicating if at least one possible preceding stream is using the resource; determining a delay to be applied by the processing chain to prevent a collision between the stream and the possible preceding stream; and configuring the processing chain to apply the delay.

Abstract: A PDL compensation technique is provided that reduces the number of and the number of types of the PDL compensators even if it is uncertain to determine which of the two polarization principal axes of an optical device has a larger loss. The PDL compensator according to the present invention is configured to, before an optical signal input from a first or a second input/output terminal enters a PDL compensation device, switch between the first polarization principal axis and the second polarization principal axis of the optical signal depending on which of the first and the second polarization principal axes has a larger loss or gain.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides mesh restoration systems and methods with Optical Transport Network (OTN) links using a signaling and routing protocol, such as Optical Signaling and Routing Protocol (OSRP), Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON), Generalized Multi Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS), and the like. The present invention includes an optical node, network, and method using the signaling and routing protocol for OTN lines of differing bandwidth granularities. The present invention utilizes OTN overhead for in-band signaling and may include capability for supporting SONET/SDH lines as well as OTN lines in the same system using the signaling and routing protocol.

Abstract: The present invention provides an Optical Transport Network (OTN) hierarchy that supports full transparency for both Ethernet and Telecom signals. The present invention defines new rates and mapping/multiplexing methods to adapt transparent 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GBE) (255/238 and 255/237) and 10 Gigabit Fibre Chanel (10 GFC) (255/237) to Optical Channel Transport Unit-3 (OTU3) at a higher rate. Additionally, the present invention defines new rates and mapping/multiplexing methods to adapt future transparent 100 GBE into an Optical Channel Transport Unit-4-extended (OTU4e) which is an OTU4 at a higher rate to support full transparency.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides optimized configurations for a directionless reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexer application. The present invention includes an add module with improved optical signal-to-noise through placing amplifiers prior to a multi-cast optical switch. The present invention includes various drop module configurations utilizing distributed gain, channel selective filters, and bi-directional configurations to reduce power consumption and complexity. Additionally, the present invention includes an integrated broadcast and select architecture.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a data interface circuit is provided. The data interface circuit comprises data sources, input blocks, a space switch, output blocks and a multi-core processor. The data interface circuit allows data provided in different voltage ranges and sampling frequencies to be transmitted to the appropriate core in the multi-core processor via the switch. Data conversion elements in the input blocks convert data from the data sources and having varying voltage ranges and sampling frequencies into data having a voltage range and sampling frequency suitable for the space switch. Analogously, data conversion elements in the output blocks convert data from the space switch into data having a voltage range and sampling frequency suitable for the corresponding core in the multi-core processor. In one embodiment, level shifters and FIFO buffers are used in the input blocks and output blocks.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a network element (NE) configured to support routing-associated signal compatibility constraint information that is associated with the NE using Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching (GMPLS) and an open shortest path first (OSPF) routing protocol, wherein the signal compatibility constraint information comprises a modulation type list, a Forward Error Correction (FEC) type list, a bit rate range list, and an acceptable client signal list, and wherein the signal compatibility constraint information is associated with a resource block (RB) pool for a plurality of NEs. Also disclosed is a network component comprising a transmitter unit configured to transmit signal compatibility constraints via GMPLS OSPF routing, wherein the signal compatibility constraints comprise a modulation type list, a FEC type list, a bit rate range list, and an acceptable client signal list.

Abstract: A passive optical network (PON) processor comprises a packet processor for processing packets belonging to a certain flow through a plurality of processing stages of a programmable data-path; a microprocessor-data for performing one or more user-defined functions in the programmable data-path on designated packets belonging to the certain flow, wherein packets of respective flows to be processed by the microprocessor-data are designated in a flow table; a microprocessor-control for managing connections handled by the PON processor; a data-path bus for connecting the packet processor and the microprocessor-data, wherein the designated packets are transferred between the packet processor and the microprocessor-data on the data-path bus; and a control-path bus for connecting the packet processor and the microprocessor-control.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for application layer optimization in a modern data network. The optimization incorporates variable rate transmission across one or more optical data channels. Data throughput is maximized by enabling quality of service profiles on a per transmission channel basis. According to one aspect, a system is provided in which the application layer is aware of and controls the underlying transmission rate and quality of the transmission. This enables the system to fully utilize the transmission capacity of the channel. The application layer may map different applications to different transmission classes of service. The services can be classified based on data throughput rate, guaranteed error rates, latency and cost, among other criteria. This provides flexibility to the application layer to map some loss tolerant applications to a lower cost (per bit) transmission class.

Abstract: Due to demand for more network bandwidth, a need for multi-user optical network topologies has, and will continue to, increase. A method or corresponding apparatus in embodiments of the present invention provide for an availability determination tool for determining and displaying wavelength and subrate availabilities within a network. Benefits of embodiments of a tool include allowing a user to identify the availability and capacity of any wavelength on any network, via an interactive graphical user interface, such as by using three-dimensional representations. In one embodiment, the disclosed availability determination tool allows users to locate and view any combination of available wavelengths between nodes in an optical network topology, and generate graphical and tabular reports of the availability in order to maintain an efficient and organized method or apparatus for determining and controlling wavelengths in a network.

Abstract: Various signal routing systems are disclosed. Some routing systems include a crosspoint switch or switching fabric for coupling input ports to output ports, allowing an input signal received at one of the input ports to be transported to one or more of the output ports. The systems may include aggregation or compression modules to allow multiple input signals to be combined into one or more compressed signals, which may be converted into optical signals for transmission to a communication network. In some embodiments, the communication network may include a packet switched router which extracts some of the input signals from the optical signals and produced corresponding packetized signals that are coupled to output ports Some routing system may include only a packet switched router. Some routing system may be configured to receive compressed or aggregated signals and to decompress or deaggregate such signals to form individual signal as output signals.

Abstract: In a wavelength selective optical switch device that disperses a WDM light beam according to their wavelengths. Dispersed light beams is applied to a wavelength selecting element. Incident light beams are separately reflected in different directions according to their wavelengths by use of the multi-level optical phased array. In the optical phased array, even when the number of multi levels is small, by setting the maximum phase shift amount of the phased array to be at least 1.5 ? and less than 2.0 ?, wavelength dependence is reduced, thereby reducing crosstalk. In this manner, the wavelength dependence, in turn, crosstalk can be reduced.

Abstract: Data center network architectures that can reduce the cost and complexity of data center networks. The data center network architectures can employ optical network topologies and optical nodes to efficiently allocate bandwidth within the data center networks, while reducing the physical interconnectivity requirements of the data center networks. The data center network architectures also allow computing resources within data center networks to be controlled and provisioned based at least in part on a combined network topology and application component topology, thereby enhancing overall application program performance.

Abstract: Data center networks that employ optical network topologies and optical nodes to efficiently allocate bandwidth within the data center networks, while reducing the physical interconnectivity requirements of the data center networks. Such data center networks provide a hierarchy of control for controlling and provisioning computing resources within the data center networks based at least in part on the network topology and an application component topology, thereby enhancing overall application program performance.

Abstract: An optical ring network has one or more working wavelengths and multiple protection wavelengths adapted to support the working wavelength(s). Routing tables may be used in network nodes to assign traffic of a failed working wavelength to a protection wavelength. The protection technique may be applied to networks employing, for example, Dense Wave Division Multiplexing (DWDM).

Abstract: A switch for switching optical signals. The switch includes a plurality of inputs, wherein each of the plurality of inputs receives one of a plurality of input signals, and at least one coupling element operably connected to two or more of the plurality of inputs and configured to combine at least two of the input signals into a combined output signal. The switch further includes a splitting element operably connected to the at least one coupling element and configured to demultiplex the combined output signal to produce a plurality of demultiplexed output signals. A control plane processor is operably connected to at least one of the plurality of inputs and is configured to determine a schedule for one or more devices operably connected to the plurality of inputs to transmit data bursts.

Abstract: A multi-chassis network device includes a plurality of nodes that operate as a single device within the network and a switch fabric that forwards data plane packets between the plurality of nodes. The switch fabric includes a set of multiplexed optical interconnects coupling the nodes. For example, a multi-chassis router includes a plurality of routing nodes that operate as a single router within a network and a switch fabric that forwards packets between the plurality of routing nodes. The switch fabric includes at least one multiplexed optical interconnect coupling the routing nodes. The nodes of the multi-chassis router may direct portions of the optical signal over the multiplexed optical interconnect to different each other using wave-division multiplexing.

Abstract: A device may include a component, a first switch, a repeater, and a second switch. The component may configure optical paths between ports. The component may comprise a first pair of optical ports connected to a first pair of optical fibers, and a second pair of optical ports connected to a second pair of optical fibers. The first switch may be configured to output one of two optical signals received by the first pair of optical ports from the first pair of optical fibers. The repeater may reshape or amplify the outputted optical signal. The second switch may be configured to direct the reshaped or amplified signal to one of the second pair of optical ports.

Abstract: A method for generating optical paths in a photonic network is provided. A model of a photonic network is used to store relationship information that describes the relationships between photonic network elements, as well as configuration information about the elements of the photonic network. A path manager receives a request to generate one or more paths based on an input port and one or more output ports. Using the information stored in the photonic network model, the path manager generates one or more candidate paths.

Abstract: An optical transmission node including an optical preamplifier to amplify input light and an optical postamplifier to amplify light output from the optical preamplifier, includes the optical postamplifier configured to generate amplified spontaneous emission light without signals input, the optical preamplifier configured to amplify the amplified spontaneous emission light from the optical postamplifier, a loopback switch configured to discouple a path of the light output from the optical preamplifier to the optical postamplifier, and couple a path of the light output from the optical postamplifier to the optical preamplifier.

Abstract: A method implemented in a transmission apparatus used in an optical fiber communications system for a polarization switched differential quaternary phase-shift keying (DQPSK) signal is disclosed. The method comprises splitting data into two or more data streams, inputting said two or more data streams to 1-bit DQPSK precoders to perform 1-bit DQPSK precoding, and multiplexing inphase outputs of the 1-bit DQPSK precoders to generate a first output; and multiplexing quadrature outputs of the 1-bit DQPSK precoders to generate a second output. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems also are disclosed.

Abstract: Additional bandwidth is provisioned to layer 2/3 networks by initially provisioning optical wavelength channels to meet incremental needs for additional capacity. When bandwidth requirements grow large enough, a wavelength-sized channel is provisioned to meet the bandwidth needs, and the previously provisioned optical wavelength channels are freed up to be reused for additional growth. The optical wavelength channels may be channelized VLANs mapped to resizable optical channel data units such as ODUflex units.

Abstract: A transceiver includes a housing, an optical interface for detachably coupling to an optical transmission device, an optical-electrical conversion unit coupled to the optical interface, the optical-electrical conversion unit located in the housing, a programmable logic device communicatively coupled to the optical-electrical conversion unit, and an electrical interface communicatively coupled to the programmable logic device, wherein the electrical interface is configured for detachably coupling to an electrical transmission device. In some embodiments, the programmable logic device may be configured to perform packet filtering, packet slicing, time stamping, packet analysis, port labeling, packet masking, packet modification, packet stripping, packet de-duplication, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a path computation element (PCE) configured for at least partial impairment aware routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) and to communicate with a path computation client (PCC) based on a PCE protocol (PCEP) that supports path routing, wavelength assignment (WA), and impairment validation (IV). The PCEP comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of a new RWA path request operation and a path re-optimization request operation. Also disclosed is a network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising establishing a PCEP session with a PCC, receiving path computation information comprising RWA information and constraints from the PCC, and establishing impairment aware RWA (IA-RWA) based on the path computation information and a private impairment information for a vendor's equipment.