Multi layer protection control for coherent DWDM networks

An optical network, comprising:

• an optical fiber having a first end and a second end;
• a first node comprising a first optical protection switching module including a first line port connected to a first working path, a second line port connected to a first protection path, an system port supplying optical signals to the first end of the optical fiber, and a first processor monitoring optical signals received by the first line port to determine a first failure in the first working path at a first layer within an optical communication model, the first optical protection switching module including a first optical switch coupled to the first line port to receive first optical signals from the first working path and the second line port to receive second optical signals from the first protection path for selectively switching optical signals from the first line port or the second line port to the system port;
• a second node including a second optical protection switching module having a third line port receiving optical signals from the system port of the first optical protection switching module from the second end of the optical fiber, and a second processor monitoring the optical signals received by the third line port to determine a second failure in the first working path at a second layer within the optical communication model, the second optical protection switching module having a second optical switch controlled by the second processor;
• and
• wherein the first processor and the second processor coordinate switching of the first optical switch and the second optical switch upon detection of the first failure by the first processor, or the detection of the second failure by the second processor.

A node, comprising:

• a first optical protection switching module including a first line port connected to a first working path, a second line port connected to a first protection path, a system port, and a first processor monitoring optical signals received by the first line port to determine a first failure in the first working path at a first layer within an optical communication model, the first optical protection switching module including a first optical switch coupled to the first line port to receive first optical signals from the first working path and the second line port to receive second optical signals from the first protection path for selectively switching optical signals from the first line port or the second line port to the system port;
• a second optical protection switching module having a third line port receiving optical signals from the system port of the first optical protection switching module, and a second processor monitoring the optical signals received by the third line port to determine a second failure in the first working path at a second layer within the optical communication model, the second optical protection switching module having a second optical switch controlled by the second processor;
• and
• wherein the first processor and the second processor are preconfigured to coordinate switching of the first optical switch and the second optical switch upon detection of the first failure by the first processor, or the detection of the second failure by the second processor.