Methods and apparatus for reconfigurable WDM lightpath rings

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for dynamic bandwidth provisioning in wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) optical ring networks. A plurality of nodes within the network are configured to transmit optical signals at variable wavelengths and receive optical signals at a predetermined wavelength. A network management system computer may be provided to communicate with the network nodes to direct the wavelengths at which each node transmits and receives. A series of one or more lightpath rings within the network are defined by selecting a first plurality of network nodes to provide a channel to support the optical transmission of a communication signal therebetween having a first bandwidth allocation. Each network node within the first plurality of network nodes is instructed upon command by the network management system to transmit an optical signal at a predetermined wavelength that is to be received by only one other network node within the first plurality of network nodes to form a first series of optical links therebetween which in the aggregate form the lightpath ring. Each network node within the second plurality of network nodes is instructed upon command by the network management system to transmit an optical signal at a predetermined wavelength that is to be received by only one other network node within the second plurality of network nodes to form a second series of optical links therebetween which in the aggregate reforms the lightpath ring. Accordingly, the lightpath ring may be reformed upon command by the network management system by altering the number of network nodes within the first plurality of network nodes to define a second plurality of network nodes which dynamically provides the channel with a different bandwidth allocation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.