SPAN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR WAVELENGTH DIVISION MULTIPLEXED NETWORK

摘要

The present invention is directed to an optical network management system in which each network element exchanges identification and status information for performing various monitoring and control functions in the optical network. A network communication system comprising an optical communication path and a plurality of network elements disposed along the optical communication path. A first network element coupled to the optical communication path includes a first processor and a first optical component. The status of the first optical component being monitored by the first processor. The first processor generates a first electrical signal in accordance with the status of the first optical component. The first network element also includes a service channel transmitter coupled to the first processor and emits a second optical signal to the optical communication path at a second wavelength different than the first plurality of wavelengths in response to the first electrical signal. The second optical signal being modulated in accordance with the second electrical signal. A second network element is coupled to the optical communication path and includes a second processor, and second optical component coupled to the second processor and a service channel receiver coupled to the first processor and to the optical communication path. The receiver senses the second optical signal. The service channel receiver outputs a second electrical signal to the second processor in response to the second optical signal. The second processor controls the second optical component in response to the second electrical signal.