Methods and systems for existential provisioning of flexible line modules using distributed control

A method for existential provisioning of flexible ports in a network using distributed control, comprising:

• connecting to a first port;
• detecting the protocol connected to the first port;
• configuring the protocol on the first port to the protocol detected;
• determining a destination using an identification mechanism appropriate to the protocol detected;
• provisioning a path across the network responsive to the destination utilizing signaling and a control plane;
• configuring the protocol on a second port responsive to the protocol on the first port, wherein the second port is identified by the destination;
• and
• connecting the first and second ports through the path;
• wherein the first and second ports each comprise a flexible, existential port operable to support a plurality of bit rates and a plurality of protocols.

A method for existential provisioning of a flexible software-defined, wireless radio in a network, comprising:

• communicating to a base station;
• determining the protocol of the base station;
• configuring the protocol of the wireless radio responsive to the protocol of the base station, wherein the wireless radio is configured to support multiple protocols and frequencies based upon software provisioning;
• and
• negotiating a higher layer protocol between the base station and the wireless radio.

A network configured for existential provisioning of flexible ports using distributed control, comprising:

• a plurality of network elements each comprising one or more flexible ports, wherein the flexible ports are operable to support a plurality of bit rates and a plurality of protocols based upon software provisioning;
• a control plane connected to the plurality of network elements;
• and
• signaling on the control plane configured to provision the one or more flexible ports and to determine a path through the network.