Framework for handling signal integrity using ASE in optical networks

A method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a signal indicative of a failure of a first channel within a plurality of channels of a transmission signal traversing a signal working path in a network, the signal working path having a headend node, a tail-end node and an intermediate node, the first channel being a failed channel, the channels having the failed channel and an operational channel, the failed channel having a frequency band and a power level prior to failing, the operational channel having encoded data, the signal working path being associated with a protection path, the protection path including the intermediate node, an optical cross-connect, and a transmitter supplying amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light;
• activating the transmitter to supply the ASE light, the ASE light being within a frequency band and having a power level corresponding to the frequency band and power level associated with the failed channel;
• and
• supplying the ASE light to the cross-connect, such that the cross-connect provides a transmission signal including the ASE light.