Dispersion monitor apparatus

An optical signal transmission apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

• a plurality of transmitter means, each transmitter means configured for transmission of light signals at one or more wavelengths of light;
• an output means configured for transmission of the light signals through a span of optical fiber;
• an input means configured to receive other transmissions of light signals through the span of optical fiber;
• a plurality of light detector means, each light detector means configured to detect a time delay or phase characteristic associated with the one or more wavelengths of light;
• a processing means configured to determine a metric based on the detected time delay or phase characteristic;
• and
• a plurality of receiver means configured for decoding light signals;
• a cross-connect means configured to switchably couple the plurality of transmitter means to the plurality of receiver means;
• and
• wherein the processing means is further configured to determine a dispersion metric based on light signals transmitted through the cross-connect means.

A method of an optical signal transmission apparatus, the method comprising:

• receiving a plurality of light signals at a plurality of wavelengths of light;
• detecting, at a plurality of light detectors, a time delay or phase characteristic of each of the plurality of light signals;
• determining, at a processor, a metric based on detecting the time delay or phase characteristic;
• and
• determining parameter values associated with hardware characteristics of the apparatus;
• transmitting the parameter values to other nodes in communication with the apparatus;
• receiving other parameter values associated with the other nodes;
• and
• controlling a dispersion compensating module based on the received other parameter values.