Coding scheme using a control code map for signal transmission in optical communications networks

Abstract

A coding scheme is provided for transporting information over an optical communications link to a network. Information containing data and control characters is encoded after segmenting the information into multi-word information groups and determining whether each of the information groups includes control characters. If the information group does not include any control characters, an encoded information stream including a set data indicator and data words is generated. If the information group includes one or more control characters, the control characters are encoded to control codes and a control code map is generated for representing placement positions of the control characters within the information group. Then, an encoded information stream is generated to include the control code map combined with one of the control codes as well as the remaining control codes and/or data words. Accordingly, the necessary bandwidth for transporting the information is reduced after the encoding is completed without sacrificing any control information.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.