High-speed packet/ethernet devices, methods, systems and networks incorporating tunable pluggable optics for packet switching and routing functions, and incorporating gmps as the control plane

Abstract

Devices, systems software, hardware, apparatus, networks, methods and combinations thereof for providing high speed, high capacity digital transmission over fiber-optic communications networks and systems are provided. The invention is particularly effective and useful in Ethernet systems and other communications networks. The photonic systems of the invention are adapted and arranged to be providable as standalone all-optical platforms that are independent of the terminal or services equipment, and that interface directly with the WDM interfaces of service platforms. Utilizing one or a plurality of tunable lasers, the systems, devices, software, hardware and networks of the invention can be adapted and arranged for monitoring, managing and reconfiguring many aspects of communications networks. Photonic systems of the invention can integrate into a single product, such as a router or other switching device, multiple functions. These functions can be integrated to cost-effectively connect sites within extant or new converged multi-service optical networks. Advantageously, all the key transport network functionalities, such as amplification, dispersion compensation, performance monitoring, multiplexing, signal conditioning, wavelength management, and optical add/drop capabilities required for efficient and dependable fiber-optic communications, are efficiently provided by the invention. Ongoing reconfiguration and integration of the functions of the control plane and data plane and their mapping to one another by means of an automated control plane, advantageously increases the reliability and efficiency of ongoing operation and maintenance of optic fiber systems in commercial and other environments.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.