Method and apparatus for associating optical cross-connect channels with non-associated overhead

摘要

An optical cross connect (40) includes a database (44) which associates each of its outgoing OSCs (Optical Service Channels) with Section Traces corresponding to the ports serviced by the OSC. Periodically, the optical cross connect (40) transmits the associated Section Traces over each OSC to inform a receiving optical cross connect (40) of the channels in the channel group associated with the OSC. Any changes in configuration of the outgoing channels of an optical cross connect cause the Section Traces to be updated automatically.