Apparatus and Method For an Optical Network

摘要

An optical network is configured to provide an optical reroute over a backup path (2139) during a failure in a signal path (2133). The network comprises a first node (B). A second node (C) is coupled to receive a signal from the first node (B) via the signal path (2133), and a backup signal via the backup path (2139). The network is adapted to transmit a signal and a corresponding backup signal from the first node to the second node even when there is no failure in the signal path (2133), wherein the backup signal is blocked at the second node (C) when there is no failure in the signal path (2133). Embodiments of the invention utilize the broadcast and blocking functionalities of a wavelength selective switch (WSS) device. Such WSS devices enable, in the case of a failure of a link, the fast switchover of optical traffic onto local detours within a reduced time.

主权项

1. A node of an optical network, the node comprising:
a first wavelength selective switch coupled to receive a first signal from a signal path; and a second wavelength selective switch coupled to receive a backup signal from a backup path; wherein the second wavelength selective switch comprises a backup blocking unit adapted to block the backup signal received at the second wavelength selective switch during a first mode of operation in which the first signal is being received at the first wavelength selective switch.